\St.  Mary’s County Emergency Shelters
 

During emergencies, St Mary’s County Department of Public Safety may open public shelters for citizens who may be required to evacuate their homes or workplaces.

St Mary’s County Shelters are located in public schools. The three primary shelters are the area High Schools; Chopticon, Great Mills, and Leonardtown High Schools.  Different shelters can be opened depending upon the emergency. To find out which shelters have been opened, listen to the radio, watch Channel 95, check the county website and/or call the emergency information hotline at  301-475-4911.  See the Emergency Information page to get more information about what radio stations to tune to.

The Department of Social Services, St. Mary's County Public Schools, Health Department, the American Red Cross and Department on Aging staff the shelters to provide services for sheltered citizens.

Make plans to have your pets cared for while you are in the shelter as they are not allowed in public shelters.  St Mary’s County Emergency Pet Shelter is located at the St Mary’s County Fairgrounds. For more information on pet sheltering see the pet preparedness page.

Service animals are allowed in the Leonardtown High School shelter, remember to bring food for your service animal to the shelter

What to bring with you to public shelters

• Be sure to bring food if you require special diet foods, as food may not be readily available at the Shelter.
• Infant formula/food/diapers.
• Medical equipment—wheelchair, glasses, dentures, eye care supplies etc.
• Have a 2 week supply of your prescription medications Prescription medications will not be supplied in shelters, you must bring your own.
• Sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, folding chairs. Bedding is not provided in public shelters.
• Personal hygiene items and changes of clothing.
• Entertainment items—cards, games, etc.