Hurricanes & Tropical Storms

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and the Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division, urges citizen awareness and preparedness. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with most hurricane-like weather occurring between mid-August and late October. Calvert County is at risk for strong winds, heavy rain, inland flooding and other severe weather.

Hurricanes can cause coastline damage and destruction for several hundred miles inland, often in the form of extreme winds, abnormally and dangerously high tides, flooding from torrential rains and even tornadoes. Residents can prepare for severe weather by following the below actions:

Stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for official weather information, alerts and warnings.
Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.
Know your evacuation route and have an emergency shelter plan.
Remain indoors during a hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
If you live in a mobile home, plan alternate shelter. Mobile homes can be unsafe in high winds.
Have a family communication plan and easy-to-find meeting place in case you are separated when a storm or disaster strikes.
Consider specific needs of household members, such as medical needs, dietary needs, disabilities, languages spoken, pets or service animals, as well as babies and young children.
Sign up for Smart911. Smart911 allows citizens to provide additional details that 9-1-1 call takers may need in order to assist them during an emergency, the system recognizes your phone number and automatically displays your profile on the screen of the call taker who receives your call.
Build an emergency kit and store supplies in easy-to-carry containers. Recommended items for a basic kit include water, non-perishable food, battery-powered or hand crank radio, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle to signal for help, local maps, cell phone with chargers and backup battery, prescription medications, cash, important family documents, blankets and change of clothing. Prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.
Fill a bathtub or large container with water for sanitary purposes, such as for cleaning and flushing toilets. This is important for those whose water runs on an electrical system.

Residents can be “weather ready” by knowing how to receive information and warnings, having an emergency safety plan and adhering to best safety practices during and after a storm. Stay informed and prepared in the event of any emergency by visiting www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/BeAwarePrepare and signing up for Calvert County ALERT to receive timely information about various emergency and non-emergency situations in the county.

Weather Alerts

For hurricanes and tropical storms, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issue specific alerts to inform the public about the risks associated with these powerful storms. These terms and alerts are designed to provide clear guidance on the expected severity of tropical weather conditions, allowing individuals, communities and officials to make informed decisions for safety and preparedness.

Tropical Storm Watch: This is issued when tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds from 39 to 73 mph, are possible within the specified area within 48 hours. It's a pre-alert to potential tropical storm conditions, advising individuals to make preparations.
Tropical Storm Warning: Issued when tropical storm conditions are expected within the specified area within 36 hours. This means it's time to finalize protection plans for life and property as a tropical storm is imminent or occurring.
Hurricane Watch: This alert indicates that hurricane conditions, including sustained winds of 74 mph or greater, are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours. While the exact path and intensity of the hurricane are still uncertain, it's a signal to begin preparations due to the risk of hurricane conditions.
Hurricane Warning: Issued when hurricane conditions are expected within the specified area, typically within 36 hours. This warning signifies that it is time to complete storm preparations and evacuate if directed by local officials, as a hurricane is imminent or occurring.
Storm Surge Watch: This is issued when there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline, generally within 48 hours, associated with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
Storm Surge Warning: Issued when there is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline, generally within 36 hours, associated with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

Animal Safety Alerts

Whenever a weather alert is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for Calvert County, the Department of Public Safety may issue an animal safety alert advising the public of appropriate animal safety precautions, in accordance with Calvert County Code § 7-6-103: Abuse; neglect. Find more information on our animal services website.

Preparing for a Hurricane or Tropical Storm

When a storm poses a potential risk to our region, residents are encouraged to review the following tips to reduce the risk of loss or injury:

Prepare for High Winds

If necessary, protect all windows with shutters or 5/8-inch plywood panels.
Reinforce garage doors.
Designate an interior room with no windows or external doors as a “safe room.”
Assess your landscaping and trees to ensure they do not become a wind hazard.
Prepare for flooding.
Determine the elevation of your property to learn your vulnerability to flooding.
Evaluate your insurance coverage.
In flood-prone areas, keep on hand materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves.
Be aware of areas known to flood so your evacuation routes are not cut off.

As the Storm Approaches

Most mobile/manufactured homes are not built to withstand hurricane-force winds. Residents of these homes should relocate to a safer structure when an evacuation order is issued.
Secure lawn furniture and other outside objects that could become projectiles in high winds.
Listen carefully for safety instructions from local officials. Monitor NOAA weather radio.
Learn more about heavy rain and flooding.
Prepare for power outages.

During the Storm

Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and doors.
Listen to a battery-powered radio for storm updates.
Have flashlights/batteries handy and avoid open flames and candles.
If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce damage when power is restored.

After the Storm

Stay away from downed or dangling power lines.
Beware of weakened tree limbs.
Open windows and doors to ventilate your house.
Use your phone only in emergencies.
Do not drive into water of unknown depth.
Keep children from playing in flooded areas.
Do not use food that has come in contact with flood waters.
If flooding has occurred, wells should be pumped out and the water tested before drinking.