As the Atlantic hurricane season intensifies, the St. Mary's County Government's Department of Emergency Services (DES) is actively promoting community readiness. With the season stretching through November 30, 2024, and the peak period expected between late August and September, officials are emphasizing preparedness to mitigate the impacts of potential severe weather.
The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) in St. Mary's County is set to facilitate residents in safeguarding their properties by offering a self-service sandbag pickup. This event is scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the St. Andrews Landfill located at 44837 St. Andrews Church Road. Given the limitation of supplies, residents are urged to secure their sandbags—available on a first-come, first-served basis—well ahead of any storm threats. Each individual can collect between 10 to 25 sandbags, while stocks last.
To further support the community, DES will be present at the event, distributing complimentary hurricane preparedness materials and supplies. This proactive distribution is part of a broader strategy to ensure that residents are equipped with the necessary resources to face a hurricane or tropical storm.
Commissioner President James R. Guy highlighted the unpredictability of storm systems and the importance of early preparation. "Distributing sandbags in advance is the best way to ensure our residents have what they need should a storm system threaten our area," he said.
Residents are also encouraged to assemble emergency kits and formulate evacuation plans. Essential items for a home kit include flashlights, batteries, blankets, spare clothing, a battery-operated radio, hygiene supplies, medication, a first aid kit, easily prepared food, and clean drinking water. The county's emergency preparedness website provides comprehensive lists and planning guides to cater to diverse family needs, including infants, the elderly, and pets.
Understanding evacuation routes and safe zones is crucial, especially for timely departures if local authorities mandate evacuations. Communication strategies for contacting loved ones during emergencies are another key focus, with local emergency notifications available through the county's CodeRed system.
Basic hurricane readiness measures include securing outdoor items, clearing drains, considering hurricane shutters, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. Residents should also know how to shut off utilities like gas, water, and electricity in emergencies.
For more information on how to prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies, residents can visit the St. Mary's County website dedicated to emergency management.
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