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Calvert County ALERT
Calvert County’s emergency notification system allows officials to contact county residents in the event of an emergency situation such as missing persons, weather updates, water and sewer service disruptions and gas line breaks.
The system employs mapping capability for geographic targeting of calls coupled with a high-speed telephone system capable of delivering pre-recorded messages directly to homes and businesses via telephone, cell phone, text and email messages.
In order to successfully reach residents, it is recommended that each household have a plug-in, non-portable phone in the event of power outages. In the event of extended power outages, the system is used to provide updates and broadcast emergency information such as warming center locations and mass care shelter activation.
Residents and businesses with landline telephone numbers have already been included in the system. You may use the registration link to include additional ways to contact you. All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential.
We encourage all residents of Calvert County to register to receive messages by visiting our registration web site.
Calvert Alerts Quiet Time Instructions (PDF)
#MdListo Text Alert Program in Spanish
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has expanded its existing text alert program, #MdReady, in partnership with 211-MD so users can receive text alerts in Spanish. #MdReady allows people to opt in to receive updates, tips and alerts about COVID-19 and other threats or hazards impacting, or that may impact, Maryland. #MdListo is its counterpart in Spanish.
To opt into the program text MdReady (for English) or MdListo (for Spanish) to the number 898-211. MEMA also reminds Maryland residents that 211-MD has translators in Spanish and 180 other languages ready to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can reach a 211-MD representative to get help with food, housing and shelter, substance abuse and mental health, in the following ways:
1. Dial 211
2. Text your zip code to 898-211
3. Chat online through their website: 211md.org/chat-with-us
MEMA Presenta el Programa de Alertas de Texto #MdListo en Español
La Agencia de Manejo de Emergencias de Maryland (MEMA por sus siglas en Inglés) anunció hoy que ha ampliado su programa de alertas de texto existente, #MdReady, en asociación con 211-MD para que los usuarios puedan recibir alertas de texto en español. #MdReady permite a las personas optar por recibir actualizaciones, consejos y alertas sobre COVID-19 y otras amenazas y peligros que afectan o pueden afectar a Maryland. #MdListo es su contraparte en español.
Para inscribirse en el programa, envíe un texto con la palabra MdReady (para inglés) o MdListo (para español) al número 898-211. MEMA también les recuerda a los residentes de Maryland que 211-MD tiene traductores en español y otros 180 idiomas listos para ayudar las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana.
Puede comunicarse con un representante de 211-MD para obtener ayuda con alimentos, vivienda y refugio, abuso de sustancias y salud mental, de las siguientes maneras:
1. Marque 211
2. Envíe un mensaje de texto con su código postal al 898-211
3. Chatee en línea a través de su sitio web: 211md.org/chat-with-us
Download the emergency management mobile app
Calvert Prepare is an interactive app designed to allow county residents, businesses, and visitors access to emergency alerts, preparedness guidance, and much more while on the go.
The app includes several key features:
- Emergency kit checklist and fillable family communication plan
- Push notifications from Emergency Management and NOAA severe weather alerts
- Information on natural and manmade threats and how to prepare for them
- Flood and damage reporting tools
- Interactive map with locations of interest
- Information on volunteer and training opportunities
Citizens are encouraged to download "Calvert Prepare" for iOS (Apple) and Android devices for free through the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Disclaimer: This app is intended to be utilized as an addition to your primary means of emergency notification. Technical and cell phone service issues may prevent you from receiving alerts and other notifications in a timely manner. This app is NOT meant to be used to report emergency situations. If you experience an emergency please dial 9-1-1.
Provide a safety profile for 911 call takers
Calvert County has partnered with Smart911 and Smart911 Facility, free online services that allow individuals, families and businesses to automatically provide vital information to 911 call takers during an emergency.
You can create a safety profile for your household or business that includes any information you want 911 and emergency responders to have in the event of an emergency:
- Residents: Address details, medical information, pets and other members of the household, vehicle details, emergency contacts, etc.
- Businesses: Buildings within your campus, alarm locations and contacts, utility shutoff locations, points of contact and property owner information, floor plans, etc.
All information is optional and citizens and businesses have the ability to choose what details to include. Smart911 and Smart911 Facility information is used only for emergency responses and is only made available to the 911 system in the event of an emergency call.
Visit the Smart911 website or Smart911 Facility website to sign up today and create a safety profile.
Provide information on those with special needs
Calvert County Emergency Management maintains a special needs registry to assist individuals who may require evacuation in the event of an emergency. Anyone who has unique needs that hinder or prevent them from taking protective actions on their own should sign up for the special needs registry. Placement on the registry gives first responders critical information they need to help those who require special assistance during an emergency.
Download the special needs information form to join the registry. To learn more, email Emergency Management or call 410-535-1600, ext. 2638.
Text to 911
The Calvert County 911 call center is now accepting text messages through text-to-911 service.
Customers of the three major wireless carriers – AT&T, T-Mobile (including former Sprint customers) and Verizon – who are enrolled in a text messaging plan can send text messages to 911 in an emergency when they are unable to place a phone call. This includes those who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech impaired, those who may find themselves in a situation where placing a voice call could put them in danger, or those who are experiencing a medical emergency and are unable to speak.
The procedure is simple to send a text message to 911, when in need of emergency services and unable to place a phone call:
- Enter 911 in the “To” line of a new text message.
- Begin the message with the location of the emergency and the type of help needed – police, fire or emergency medical services (EMS).
Once the message has been received at the 911 call center, a 911 specialist will respond. Users should be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions.
Citizens are urged to place a voice call to 911 if possible; text if you can’t. Public Safety offers the following additional tips for using text-to-911:
- Keep text messages short and simple; avoid using slang or abbreviations.
- Photos and videos cannot be viewed by 911 call centers.
- English is the preferred language for text messaging, though some limited translation services may be available.
- Including an additional contact on your text message may prevent it from being received by 911.
- As with all text messages, messages to 911 may take longer to receive, may be received out of order or may not be received at all.
- If text-to-911 service is not available in an area, users will receive a bounce back message from their carrier telling them to place a phone or relay call instead.
- Do not text and drive.