Emergency Preparedness

Are you prepared for a major weather incident? It cannot be said enough times, anyone who lives on the Chesapeake Bay should fully understand their risks and be prepared to for the possibility of such events, as this will help you protect your property and could be difference between life and death should the worst happen. Please visit our page: Hurricane Tips and Information

2024 Oxford Emergency Operations Plan

Who Makes an Evacuation Decision?
Talbot County Emergency Services will activate its Emergency Operations Center to provide guidance to municipalities such as Oxford.

The County makes the decision regarding regional evacuation and would recommend evacuation of Oxford. Town officials will then follow up. Oxford’s “Adverse Weather Emergency Operations Plan” is on file in the town office.

How will I be notified?
You will be notified by “Reverse 911” automated telephone calls, the radio, crawlers along the bottom of your television screen, and/or loudspeaker announcements by the Police Department/Public Works employees and Fire Company members.

Where do I go?
We do not have a designated shelter in Oxford. Neither the fire house nor the community center are safe evacuation shelters. Approved shelters would most likely be located in Easton and would be designated just prior to an evacuation.

How do I get there?
When the determination has been made to open an evacuation center, whether voluntary or mandatory, the recommended action would be to gather your necessary belongings and travel in your personal vehicle to the designated location. Transportation is generally provided by the county for people who do not have the means to evacuate on their own.

What about my pets?
Arrangements have been made for pet sheltering but you should get detailed information directly from the Talbot County Humane Society.

What should I bring to the shelter?

Food:
If you have the need for special foods (Ensure, etc.) you may bring them with you. High energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, and other snack foods may be a good idea if you get hungry in between meals. If necessary bring special dietary foods–such as diabetic, low salt, liquid diet, baby food and formula. Don’t forget a manual can opener.

Clothing and Bedding:
One complete change of clothing including footwear. A sleeping bag, blanket and pillow. Rain gear and sturdy shoes.

Personal Items:
Washcloth, small towel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, towelettes, etc.

Medications, First-Aid supplies:
Medications–clearly marked with your name, dosage, type of medication, and prescribing physician. You must be able to take all medications by yourself. Any dressing changes needed.

Important Papers/Cash:
Identification and valuable papers (insurance documents, etc.), Name and address of doctors, Name and address of nearest relative not living in area.

Pets:
Special Needs clients who pre-register their pet(s) are able to bring their pet(s) with them to shelter providing that Pet-Friendly sheltering is available at the time, they provide the required supplies (including a cage, food, etc.), and make arrangements in advance of their pick-up.

Miscellaneous:
Bring a cell phone if you have one. It may come in handy. Games, cards, toys, battery powered radios, flashlights (no candles or lanterns), batteries, or other reasonable items you may need are welcome too. Take a bath and eat before you leave home.

Not Allowed: alcoholic beverages, or weapons.

Any other sources of information?

What else?
If an evacuation is recommended, leave. Be safe.

If you have special needs… you can register ‘now’ with Talbot County Emergency Services so they will have a record of your needs should an emergency arise. The form can be found at the bottom of the following website, completed and returned to Talbot County Emergency Services: https://www.talbotdes.org/emergency_management.asp

Should you choose not to evacuate, you do so at your own peril. Because of the danger to them, rescue personnel will not be dispatched when sustained winds reach forty-miles-per-hour.