Cecil County Department of Emergency Services

08/05/2026

National Night Out brought neighbors and first responders together across Cecil County last night with events happening simultaneously at multiple locations countywide.
Cecil County DES was proud to take part, and we were glad to welcome MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland to one of the evening's events. Thanks to everyone who came out across the county to meet your local responders, ask questions, and build the kind of trust that matters most when it counts.

07/24/2026

📣Cecil County Department of Emergency Services Training Division is pleased to announce a FREE training opportunity at the 2026 Cecil County Fair. Come visit our booth located across from the Carl Stafford Livestock Pavilion. Learn how to do “Hands-ONLY CPR” ❤and “Stop the Bleed”. Instructors are trained medical professionals and have experience using these techniques. See you there.

07/21/2026

From the National Weather Service, ⛈severe weather is expected for the Cecil County, Maryland area between July 21, 2026, through the next few days.
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.6002117&lon=-75.9485142

🔌If you experience a power outage, please report the outage to Delmarva Power.
https://secure.delmarva.com/powerOutages/accountVerification

If you experience a tree down along a roadway during a storm, please contact Public Works Roads Division at 410-996-6270 Monday - Friday between the hours of 6:30 am and 3 pm. Outside of these working hours, please use 410-398-2222.

07/16/2026

There is a CODE ORANGE Air Quality for most of Maryland today. Skies across Maryland to include Cecil County are hazy right now due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. Please do not call 9-1-1 about the hazy smoke unless you are reporting an emergency (house on fire, medical and life-threatening situations, etc.).

What you can do…
Monitor the air quality by visiting http://tinyurl.com/MDEcurrentair
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/air/AirQualityMonitoring/Pages/index.aspx

Recommending for members of sensitive groups, children and adults with respiratory and heart ailments, may experience health effects and should limit time spent outside.

07/15/2026

From Cecil County Health Department
🔆Cecil County Health Officer Issues Code Red Extreme 🔆
Heat Alert for July 15-16, 2026
With forecasted temperatures reaching the high 90s and heat index values over 105, Cecil County Health Officer, Dr. Karyl Rattay, has issued a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Wednesday, July 15 beginning at ⏰11:00 am and anticipated to last through Thursday, July 16 at 8:00 pm⏰.
To stay safe and cool during extreme heat, it is vital to take the following precautions:
🚰Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough fluids is one of the most important things you can do to prevent heat-related illness. Limit beverages high in sugars and sodium, caffeine, and alcohol.
🏠Stay Indoors: Avoid physical exertion and outdoor activities during the peak heat hours, typically from mid-morning to late afternoon, when temperatures are at their highest.
Seek Shade or Air-Conditioning: If possible, spend time in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces. If your home is not air-conditioned, seek relief in a designated Cooling Center or other public place.
Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.
✅Check on Vulnerable Individuals, Young Children, and Pets: Be sure to check on elderly neighbors and those with pre-existing health conditions. Do not leave children or pets in cars for even short periods of time.
If you start to experience symptoms of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, clammy skin, nausea, or vomiting), immediately move to a cooler place, drink water, and rest. Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103 degrees, hot, red, dry skin, rapid pulse, and feeling faint. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If someone exhibits signs of heat stroke or severe symptoms of heat exhaustion, call 9-1-1 right away. 🚨
For more information, please visit the website below.
https://cecilcountyhealth.org/code-red-extreme-heat-alert-for-july-15-16-2026/

07/03/2026

07/03/2026

The summer heat can take its toll on your body.
With the high heat in the forecast it is important to know the difference between Heat Exhaustion and a Heat Stroke.

Learn more at:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness
https://www.ready.gov/heat

07/01/2026

This month, Elvis has been spotted at the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services Emergency Operations Center (EOC)!

When emergencies happen, this is where coordination begins.

The Cecil County Department of Emergency Services works around the clock to protect our community through emergency response, 9-1-1 communications, emergency medical services, emergency management, and disaster preparedness. Whether responding to severe weather, major accidents, hazardous materials incidents, public health emergencies, or other critical events, the dedicated professionals at DES are always ready to answer the call.

Inside the Emergency Operations Center, county leaders, first responders, public safety partners, utility providers, and other agencies come together during emergencies to coordinate resources, share information, and make critical decisions that help keep Cecil County residents safe. While many citizens may never see the EOC in action, it serves as the central hub for managing incidents and ensuring a coordinated response when our community needs it most.

Beyond emergency response, DES operates the County’s 24/7 9-1-1 Communications Center, provides Advanced Life Support services, manages the Hazardous Materials Response Team, maintains the county’s public safety communications systems, and leads the Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program, which helps connect residents with healthcare resources before emergencies occur.

The work of the Department of Emergency Services doesn’t stop when the sirens are silent. Every day, the men and women of DES train, prepare, educate, and plan so that Cecil County is ready for whatever comes next. Their commitment to integrity, teamwork, accountability, and service helps make our community safer and more resilient.

Thank you to the dedicated employees of the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services for your professionalism, preparedness, and unwavering commitment to serving the citizens of Cecil County.

Stay tuned to see where Elvis shows up next!

06/30/2026

The Cecil County Health Department in partnership with local organizations has identified the following Cooling Centers that are open for anyone needing to escape the extreme heat outside.

Remember to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay safe.

Learn more about heat related illness at : https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html

If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1.

06/30/2026

Cecil County Health Officer Issues Code Red Extreme

Heat Alert for July 1- July 3, 2026

With forecasted temperatures reaching the high 90s and heat index values around 110, Cecil County Health Officer, Dr. Karyl Rattay, has issued a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Wednesday, July 1 at 11:00 am, anticipated to last through 8:00 pm on Friday, July 3. Residents are advised to take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related illness during this period of extreme heat.

Prolonged exposure to heat increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and potentially life-threatening heat strokes. To stay safe and cool during extreme heat, it is vital to take the following precautions:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough fluids is one of the most important things you can
do to prevent heat-related illness. Carry a bottle of water and drink before you feel thirsty. Refill throughout the day. Limit beverages high in sugars and sodium, caffeine, and alcohol. Check your urine color. When it's light yellow or clear, it usually means you are drinking enough water.

Stay Indoors: Avoid physical exertion and outdoor activities during the peak heat hours,
typically from mid-morning to late afternoon, when temperatures are at their highest.

Seek Shade or Air-Conditioning: If possible, spend time in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces. If your home is not air-conditioned, seek relief in a designated Cooling Center or other public place.

Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.

Check on Vulnerable Individuals, Young Children, and Pets: Be sure to check on elderly
neighbors and those with pre-existing health conditions. Do not leave children or pets in cars for even short periods of time.

If you start to experience symptoms of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, clammy skin, nausea, or vomiting), immediately move to a cooler place, drink water, and rest. Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103 degrees, hot, red, dry skin, rapid pulse, and feeling faint. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If someone exhibits signs of heat stroke or severe symptoms of heat exhaustion, call 911 right away.

If you would like more information and heat safety tips, please visit the CDC website.

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The mission of the Cecil County Health Department is to work together to promote, protect, and advance the health and wellness of the community.