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1. What is emergency management?

Emergency management is the prevention of, protection from, mitigation of, response to, and recovery from disasters and emergencies that threaten or cause widespread loss of life, injury, or other health impacts, property damage or destruction, social or economic disruption, or environmental degradation from natural, technological, or human-caused sources.

2. How do I sign up for emergency alerts?

You can sign up for emergency alerts by registering for Smart911 here.

Be sure to download the app to make managing your account simple:

Download the Smart911 app for Apple.

Download the Smart911 app for Android.

3. What is the difference between a watch and a warning?

A weather watch is when conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, while a weather warning is issued when conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning.

4. What should I have in my disaster supply kit?

A disaster supply kit should be stocked with the necessary items for your family's unique needs. Here are some suggested items to get you started:

• Credit card or cash
• Emergency tools
• battery powered or hand crank radio, NOAA Weather Radio if possible
• Extra set of car keys
• First aid kit, including prescription medicines
• Flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person
• One change of clothing and footwear per person
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members
• Three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Dust masks for all family members
• Glasses and contact lens solution
• Important family documents such as family and emergency contact information and copies of insurance policies.
• Pet supplies such as food, extra water, leash, crate, and medications

5. What if I have to evacuate my home?

If you need to evacuate your home, having some essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable:

Prepare a disaster supply kit in an easy-to-carry container such as a duffel bag or small plastic trash can. Include the following:

• Battery powered radio and extra batteries
• Bottled water
• Change of clothing for each person
• First aid supplies (including prescription medications)
• Food
• Sleeping bag or bedroll for each
• "Special needs" items for any household member (infant formula or items for people with disabilities or older people)
• Tools

It is also a good idea to include some cash and copies of important family documents (birth certificates, passports, and licenses) in your kit.

6. What is the Tri-County Siren Alarm System?

Emergency managers in Caroline, Talbot and Queen Anne's Counties have realized a need for an additional means of warning our communities of imminent danger or the need to turn on radios, televisions or computers for information. It is hoped that the "Imminent Danger" signal will never be needed; however, it will be available should something occur. The "Warning" signal might be used when a severe weather warning is issued for the area. When the crisis is ended, an "All Clear" signal will be sounded.

Tri-County Siren Alarm System:

Warning:
2 minute steady signal
Turn to your local emergency alert station

Imminent Danger:
2 minute wavering tone (like a fire siren signal – only faster)
Take protective actions

All Clear:
30 second steady tone
Emergency has ended