Emergency Preparedness
Emergencies can happen with little warning. This page provides preparedness information and key contacts to help residents plan ahead for severe weather, flooding, and other emergencies. It also includes guidance on what to do before, during, and after an emergency.
Use the links below to jump to the information you need.
Emergency Contacts
Core Emergency Contacts
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Emergency: 911
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Non-Emergency Law Enforcement (Dispatch): Cecil County Sheriff's Office - 410-996-5500
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Cecil County Emergency Services (Non-Emergency): 410-392-2006
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Maryland State Police - North East Barrack: 410-996-7800
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Town Hall (non-emergency help / info): 410-378-2121
Flood / Dam Contacts
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Conowingo Dam Spill Hotline: 877-457-2525
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Conowingo Generation Hotline: 888-457-4076
Recovery & Assistance
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Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (for poisoning concerns and exposure questions)
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FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362 (help with disaster assistance and recovery)
How You'll Be Notified
How We Notify Residents During an Emergency
During an emergency, the Town of Port Deposit will share official updates through the Town website and the Town's Facebook page. For large-scale incidents, emergency notifications and response are coordinated by the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services and local emergency responders.
County Alerts
Cecil County posts active alerts through the County Alert Center. Residents can subscribe to be instantly notified using Notify Me® (or RSS) on the County website.
Preparedness Steps
Before an Emergency
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Review this page and plan ahead for the types of emergencies that may affect Port Deposit, including flooding and severe weather.
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Build an emergency kit with water, food, flashlights, batteries, chargers, and first aid supplies.
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Keep a supply of medications and any necessary medical items for at least several days.
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Make a family communication plan and identify where you will go if you need to leave your home.
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Plan ahead for pets and ensure you have supplies and transportation for them.
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Keep important documents safe and easy to access.
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Charge mobile devices and consider backup power options.
During an Emergency
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Follow instructions from emergency personnel and official updates from the Town and Cecil County.
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Avoid hazardous areas and do not travel unless necessary.
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Stay away from downed power lines and report hazards as instructed by emergency responders.
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If you need immediate assistance, call 911.
After an Emergency
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Use caution when returning to affected areas. Hazards may remain, including debris, contaminated water, and downed lines.
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Check on neighbors and family members.
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Document damage if you will be filing an insurance claim or requesting assistance.
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Continue to monitor official updates for instructions and recovery information.
Weather-Related Emergencies
Extreme Heat
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Stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, and limit outdoor activity during peak heat.
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Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty.
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Wear light clothing and take breaks if you must be outside.
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Never leave children or pets in vehicles, even briefly.
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Know the warning signs of heat illness, including dizziness, nausea, headache, and confusion. Seek medical help if needed.
Extreme Cold / Winter Weather
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Dress in layers and limit time outdoors.
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Use safe heating sources only. Never use ovens or grills to heat your home.
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Keep space heaters away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.
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Protect pipes by insulating exposed piping and knowing how to shut off water if needed.
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Keep extra blankets, food, water, and medications on hand.
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Check on neighbors, especially those without reliable heat.
Disruptions & Community Safety
Power Outages
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Keep flashlights and extra batteries available. Avoid using candles when possible.
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Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
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Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent damage from power surges.
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If you rely on electrically powered medical equipment, plan ahead and relocate if necessary.
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If using a generator, follow safety guidance and never run it indoors or in a garage.
Evacuation & Sheltering
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Know more than one route out of Town and plan where you will go if you need to leave.
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Prepare a “go bag” with medications, IDs, chargers, water, and basic supplies.
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Make a family communication plan in case you are separated.
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Plan for pets and identify pet-friendly sheltering options.
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Leave early when advised. Do not wait until roads are flooded or blocked.
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Follow directions from emergency responders and official Town/Cecil County updates.
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If you need transportation assistance, contact or report to Town Hall.
Flooding
Flooding is one of the most common emergency risks in Port Deposit. The information below includes flood-specific guidance and steps residents can take to prepare and respond safely.
Flood Notifications & Assistance
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Emergency warnings may include a siren and an emergency message, along with announcements from emergency personnel throughout Town.
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Town Hall will have staff available to assist residents during an emergency.
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If you need transportation assistance, call or report to Town Hall.
Before a Flood Emergency
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Prepare your home by moving valuables and important items to higher levels.
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Move vehicles to higher ground when flooding is expected.
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Gather supplies and ensure you have medications, pet supplies, and important documents.
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Keep flashlights and batteries available and charge mobile devices.
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Stay informed through Town updates and Cecil County emergency alerts.
During a Flood Emergency
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Do not walk or drive through floodwater.
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Avoid basements and low-lying areas during flooding.
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Keep children and pets away from flooded areas.
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Follow instructions from emergency responders and official updates.
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Call 911 for emergencies.
After a Flood Emergency
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Use caution when returning to flooded areas. Floodwater may be contaminated and hidden hazards may exist.
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Watch for downed power lines and damaged structures.
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Document damage for insurance and assistance programs if needed.
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Continue to monitor official updates for recovery guidance.
Resources & Downloads
The resources below include Town of Port Deposit flyers and preparedness materials from the Maryland Department of Health, Cecil County, and other organizations.
Flyers
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Returning After Flood
Links