Preparedness Tips - St. Mary's County, MD

Install smoke detectors in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.

Remember to change the batteries every 6 months.

Person securing a large shelf to the wall

Secure large shelves, file cabinets, and heavy wall hangings to the wall to prevent them from falling and blocking exits or causing injury or property damage.

Depiction of a home number visible on a mailbox in front of home.

Depiction of a home number visible above the front door.

Be sure that your home number is visible from the street so that first responders can easily locate you.

How to appropriately display your address

Flame, lighting bolt, and water drop representing gas, electricity and water utilities.

Know how and when to switch off your utilities, including gas, electric, and water.

Depiction of a pair of shoes, flashlight and dust mask stored under a bed.

Keep a flashlight, shoes, and dust mask under your bed in case of an emergency. A flashlight can help you at night or in the case of a power outage, shoes can prevent injury from broken glass, and a dust mask can prevent inhalation of smoke or other foreign particles.

Always keep your gas tank or electric vehicle charge above half full. If evacuation becomes necessary, a half-full tank will ensure you have enough fuel to leave the area.

In an emergency, make sure to text, not call your loved ones.

Avoid making non-urgent phone calls after an emergency. Send text messages to loved ones, when possible, to avoid clogging phone lines. Consider posting on social media or setting a voicemail message notifying loved ones that you are safe.