St. Mary’s County officials have launched the new Regroup Emergency Notification System to replace the retired CodeRED platform and deliver urgent alerts to residents during critical incidents.
The St. Mary’s County Government Department of Emergency Services announced the official rollout this week in Leonardtown. Regroup serves as the county’s updated mass notification provider following the permanent decommissioning of CodeRED after a cybersecurity incident involving its vendor.
Regroup will send time-sensitive emergency alerts for shelter-in-place orders, heavy police presence, sanitary sewer overflows, evacuation notices and other urgent situations. The system integrates with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, enabling direct delivery of Tornado Warnings, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Flash Flood Warnings. It will not be used for general information, advertisements or routine announcements.
Residents previously enrolled in CodeRED have been automatically migrated to Regroup. Starting April 13, 2026, those users began receiving instructions through their prior notification method, text, phone or email, on how to claim their account, verify or update contact details and manage preferences.
New users can enroll by visiting the county website at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/alert. Subscribers may customize delivery options, including text message, phone call, email or app notification. Alerts are geographically targeted based on the incident location and the address linked to each subscriber’s profile. Accounts without an associated address will not receive emergency notifications.
The transition stems from a decision approved by the St. Mary’s County Commissioners on January 6, 2026, after review by the Departments of Emergency Services and Information Technology. The change ensures continuity of reliable emergency communications for the county’s more than 120,000 residents.
Southern Maryland residents, particularly in St. Mary’s County alongside Calvert and Charles counties, rely on such systems amid risks from severe weather, flooding along the Chesapeake Bay and other hazards. The region frequently experiences thunderstorms, flash floods and occasional tornado activity, making timely alerts essential for public safety.
County officials emphasize that preparation remains key. Residents can learn about potential disasters and response steps by visiting www.stmaryscountymd.gov/es. Knowing actions before, during and after an emergency can prove critical when seconds matter.
The Regroup platform offers features similar to the previous system while providing improved usability for emergency staff. It supports reverse 911-style calls and targeted messaging to help protect lives and property during incidents.
This rollout comes as St. Mary’s County continues efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness following the CodeRED cybersecurity event reported earlier in 2026. The county has stressed transparency and commitment to safeguarding community safety and privacy throughout the process.
Local families in areas such as Leonardtown, Lexington Park and Great Mills can now update their information to ensure they receive relevant alerts. Those without prior enrollment are urged to sign up promptly to stay connected during potential emergencies.
No routine or non-emergency messages will come through Regroup, preserving the system’s focus on life-saving information. Officials recommend that households enter all relevant addresses, such as home, work or school locations, for comprehensive coverage.
The Department of Emergency Services handles coordination of these notifications in partnership with local first responders. Integration with NOAA ensures weather-related warnings reach subscribers without delay from national sources.
St. Mary’s County forms a vital part of Southern Maryland’s economy and communities, with its mix of residential neighborhoods, military installations and waterfront properties heightening the need for robust alert systems. Residents near the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay face unique risks from water-related and storm events.
Enrollment is free and open to all county residents and property owners. The process takes only minutes online and allows control over notification types and methods.
As the 2026 season progresses with increased potential for spring severe weather, county leaders encourage immediate action to claim migrated accounts or create new ones. This step helps ensure families receive the information needed to respond effectively.
The launch represents a proactive upgrade in how St. Mary’s County communicates during crises, building on lessons from the prior platform’s retirement.
