Emergency Shelter for Residents with Medical Needs to Open

News Release # 2026-011

Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

The Department of Emergency Services will open a temporary emergency shelter for residents who rely on electricity for medical devices or life-sustaining equipment on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 3 p.m. The shelter is opening ahead of a potential snowstorm and significant ice accumulation expected in the region this weekend, which could cause prolonged power outages and result in life-threatening emergencies for residents who depend on medical power sources. The shelter is available for residents with medical needs and their pets who are not confident in their safety at their current location and wish to voluntarily relocate. This shelter will remain open until further notice.

Important Information about this Emergency Shelter:

• The shelter is located at the Department of Community Services Gymnasium, 8190 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco. When you enter the parking lot, turn to the right towards "Recreation Center". Enter the gymnasium through the double-glass doors.
• Residents are responsible for their own food and water bottles.
• Toilets, hand-washing sinks, and water-bottle filling stations are available.
• Residents may bring pets to this location, to be housed in an alternate building on-site. More information about pets is below.
• Residents who rely on electricity for medical devices or life-sustaining equipment are strongly encouraged to come to the shelter before the storm arrives. Residents should avoid traveling on the roads once the storm has begun.
• Public transportation is available to this shelter. Schedule and routes can be found at: https://www.charlescountymd.gov/services/transportation/vango-public-transportation

Before Arriving at the Shelter:

• Residents coming to the shelter should bring only essential items, including:

• • Medical supplies (prescriptions, medications, medical equipment, first aid kit)
  • Money (cash, checkbook, credit cards, and important personal and financial documents)
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, shaving supplies, eye care supplies, washcloths, towels)
  • Clothing
  • Baby care items (formula, diapers, favorite toys)
  • Blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows
  • Non-perishable food
  • Bottled water
• Before leaving home, residents are advised to:
• • Turn off lights and appliances (except refrigerators and freezers).
  • Close and lock all windows and doors.
  • Use your own vehicle to travel to the shelter.
  • Offer rides to neighbors who may not have transportation if it is safe to do so.

Information About Pets:
Dogs and cats can be brought to the same location with their owner. They must be brought in on a leash or in a pet carrier. These pets will remain in a separate temperature-controlled space managed by Charles County Animal Care & Control Division staff. These staff will provide basic care and feeding for animals.

Pet owners must provide food, water bowls, medications, and proof of immunizations. Pets will not be allowed inside the shelter area. Due to health regulations, only trained service dogs are permitted inside the shelter.

To Stay Informed:

• Residents are encouraged to sign up for the Citizen Notification System (CNS) to receive weather and traffic alerts by text message, email, or phone.
• Residents can also access updated information by following Charles County Government on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, X)
• The Special Alert Messaging webpage will also be updated with information on news and resources.
• For power outage information, view the SMECO outage map or report an outage by calling 877-747-6326. Call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.

Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 7-1-1 (Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258).

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