Storm Aftermath Update
Free dry ice distribution limited to 20 lbs per household;

The St. Mary's County Emergency Operations Center is coordinating efforts to assist citizens in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ernesto.  The Department of Public Works, State Highway Administration, SMECO, METCOM, VERIZON, METROCAST, COMCAST, and Fire and Rescue Volunteers are all working diligently in the recovery and restoration of services.

* The St. Mary's County shelter at Leonardtown High School has been closed.  The Department of Social Services and the Red Cross are on standby to coordinate lodging for those who need it.  Please call the Disaster Information Hotline at 301-475-4911 for instructions.
* St. Mary's County Department of Public Works and Transportation has established two locations that will accept yard waste only, free of charge.  Yard waste includes logs, limbs, stumps, brush, and leaves.  All other solid waste must go to the landfill and convenience centers.  The two sites are located as follows:  the Kessler Development Company sight, adjacent to Kessler Body and Equipment Company on Three Notch Road in Dameron; and the Knott's site on Piney Point Road, MD Route 249, ½ mile south of Happyland Road in Valley Lee.  Look for the "Yard Debris Burn Site" signs located at each entrance.  Both sites will be open from 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, September 2, 2006.  Beginning September 3, 2006, both sites will be open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM seven days a week until further notice.
* Dry ice distribution sites have been established as follows:
Board of Education Division of Supporting Services facility (behind Banneker Elementary School) on MD Route 5 in Loveville. Dry ice will be available as quantities last until 10:00 PM Saturday.. Any remaining supplies will be distributed between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM on Sunday, September 3, 2006.
St. Mary's County Governmental Center parking lot on MD Route 245 in Leonardtown. Bagged dry ice will be available as quantities last between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM on September 3, 2006.
For additional information, please call the Disaster Information Hotline at 301-475-4911/4912.