LEONARDTOWN, Md. — With the Atlantic hurricane season beginning June 1, 2025, St. Mary’s County Government is encouraging residents to prepare early by offering a self-service sandbag distribution event on Saturday, May 31, from 8 a.m. to noon at St. Andrews Landfill, located at 44837 St. Andrews Church Road. The initiative, organized by the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) in collaboration with the Department of Emergency Services (DES), aims to help residents protect their homes and properties before severe weather strikes.
The hurricane season runs through November 30, 2025, a period when tropical storms and hurricanes are most likely to form, though severe weather can occur outside these dates. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) notes that an average season produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes, based on data from 1991 to 2020. St. Mary’s County, bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River, faces risks of flooding and wind damage, making proactive measures critical.
At the May 31 event, residents can collect 10 to 25 unfilled sandbags per person, while supplies last. Sand and shovels will be provided, but residents must fill their own bags. Community partners and DES staff will distribute free hurricane preparedness materials, including checklists and emergency planning guides. “Preparedness is one of the most important ways we can protect ourselves, our families, and our community,” said Commissioner President Randy Guy. “By offering sandbags and sharing emergency planning resources ahead of time, we’re helping residents take proactive steps before a storm is on the horizon. I encourage everyone to get ready now—don’t wait until it’s too late.”
Residents are urged to build emergency kits tailored to their household’s needs, including infants, elderly members, those with functional needs, and pets. Kits should contain flashlights, batteries, blankets, spare clothing, a battery-operated radio, hygiene supplies, medications, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and clean drinking water. Detailed guidance is available at https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/kit. Planning evacuation routes is also essential, particularly knowing your zone, identifying a safe destination, and ensuring vehicles are fueled. Zone maps and planning tools can be found at https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/plan.
Additional preparedness steps include securing outdoor items like furniture and toys, clearing gutters and drains, and considering hurricane shutters to protect windows. Residents should locate main valves and switches for gas, water, and electricity and ensure trusted individuals know how to operate them. Checking on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with functional needs, and bringing pets indoors during storms are also advised. For real-time alerts, residents can enroll in the county’s CodeRed system at https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/CodeRed.
The DES emphasizes following local emergency management instructions during severe weather events. Comprehensive resources, including flood preparation and recovery tips, are available at https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/em. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends reviewing insurance policies to ensure coverage for flood damage, as standard homeowners’ policies often exclude it.
Last year, St. Mary’s County distributed over 2,000 sandbags during similar events, helping residents mitigate flood risks, according to county records. With climate models suggesting warmer ocean temperatures could intensify storms, early preparation remains a priority. The county’s efforts align with Maryland’s broader hurricane readiness campaigns, which stress community resilience and timely action.
Residents unable to attend the May 31 pickup can purchase sandbags at local hardware stores or contact DPW&T for alternative options. St. Andrews Landfill operates Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for regular waste disposal and recycling, but the sandbag event is a one-day opportunity.
