By Victoria Mejicanos
AFRO Staff Writer
vmejicanos@afro.com
A major winter storm is expected to hit 200 million Americans this weekend. Snow, ice, and extreme cold are expected in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, prompting local officials to declare a state of emergency.
In the District, Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency for the area Jan. 23 and urged residents to stay inside and be prepared. According to Bowser, snow is expected to begin in the area on Jan. 24, continuing through Jan. 26.
“Current projections have at least 9 inches of snow falling with potential for more,” Bowser said in a press conference. Additionally, there is a possibility of freezing rain overnight Sunday (Jan. 25) into Monday (Jan. 26), which will increase hazardous conditions.
Bowser urged residents to stay prepared by charging their devices and batteries, getting groceries early and staying off the roads unless necessary. Residents can sign up for Alert D.C to receive direct updates to their phones.
Bowser is also opening hypothermia shelters with 24-hour operations Jan. 23-Jan. 27.
“We haven’t had a big storm like this in a while, and we have been preparing for this,” said Bowser. “We’re very concerned about the cold, and the cold weather like this mixed with precipitation puts people in a lot of danger being outside. With weather like this, somebody could die.”
Baltimore Mayor Brandon. M. Scott has also declared a state of emergency, saying in a press conference that the city is working with partners at the state and federal levels to coordinate with the Maryland National Guard.
Scott urged residents to stay inside and stay prepared with warm clothes, extra blankets, as well as food and water, without overbuying. Residents can call 311 for any non-life-threatening emergency and sign up for BMORE Alert online.
“This will be a significant storm. That does not mean panic, it means be prepared, and most of all be smart,” he said.
Joey Henderson, director of the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management, said in the press conference that Baltimore will experience up to 13 inches of snow, with the possibility of freezing rain and sleet on Jan. 25, making it the greatest snowfall since 2016.
Director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services Ernestina Simmons echoed Scott’s urging for residents to stay inside and find shelter.
“We could absolutely use your support with ensuring everyone that is outside is able to come inside,” said Simmons.
If residents see or know someone without shelter, including those living in their cars, they are encouraged to call 311.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore shared in a press conference that he has signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Maryland, and has also urged the White House to authorize a federal emergency declaration. This would allow the federal government to provide resources, including personnel, equipment, like generators, and also funds for protective measures.
According to Moore, the storm will impact the entire state.
“This winter storm has the potential to be remarkably dangerous,” said Moore. “Also, this winter storm, we know, is not just going to impact the state of Maryland. A storm of this size, a storm of this magnitude is one that needs to be taken very seriously. We already have begun the preparation and the work. What we need now is for everyone in the state of Maryland to understand the seriousness of this storm and to be partners in making sure that everyone is going to be safe.”
Moore urged Marylanders to stay inside, look after their neighbors and follow emergency guidance as it continues to be released. Marylanders should dial #77 for roadside assistance.
Health precautions to consider
Several health officials have asked those who have pre-existing conditions to not shovel in the snow and stay warm. Dr. Estelle Jean, cardiologist with MedStar Health, said in an email to the AFRO that cold weather places extra strain on the heart, and as temperatures drop below freezing, blood vessels tighten, blood pressure rises, and the heart must work harder to keep the body warm.
“Snow shoveling is especially dangerous because it combines heavy exertion with cold exposure and breath-holding, which can trigger a cardiac event,” said Jean. “Many heart attacks occur during or shortly after shoveling.”
If one must shovel, take frequent breaks, dress warmly and stop immediately if experiencing chest discomfort or shortness of breath.
It’s also important to keep a seven-to-10-day supply of medications and know which ones should never freeze. Medications should be stored at room temperature.
Jean said that if care is needed, it is best not to let the bad weather delay care, and she encourages residents to look out for each other.
“Winter weather emergencies are not just a personal health risk, but they’re a community issue too,” said Jean. “Older adults and people living alone are especially vulnerable to cold exposure, missed medications, and delayed medical care. Taking a few minutes to check on a neighbor, family member or friend during severe weather can help prevent a medical emergency. Community care is heart care, and looking out for one another during winter storms can truly save lives.”
Where to find shelter
Hypothermia shelters (D.C.)
Women
- Eve’s Place – 2210 Adams Place NE
- Harbor Light – 2100 New York Ave. NE
Men
- 801 East Day Center – 2722 Martin L. King Jr. Ave. SE
- Blair Hypothermia – 635 I St. NE
- Emery Hypothermia – 1725 Lincoln Road NE
- Federal City 1 North – 425 2nd St. NW
- Naylor Road – 2601 Naylor Road SE
- Salvation Army – 3335 Sherman Ave. NW
Warming Centers (Baltimore)
- Beans and Bread -400 S. Bond St.
- Franciscan Center -101 W. 23rd St.
- Manna House- 435 E. 25th St.
- My Sister’s Place Women’s Center- 17 W. Franklin St.
- Weinberg Housing and Resource Center- 620 Fallsway
General tips for safety
- Run a thin stream of cold water from a faucet during extreme temperatures
- Open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes
- Disconnect any outdoor hoses
- Keep bottled water on hand in case of emergency or disruption
- Call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) Tips
BGE asks that customers report outages, and can do so via text, phone, or online. BGE is also asking that residents keep gas and appliance vents clear.
- Know where your natural gas appliances vent to the exterior and ensure the vents are clear. If these vents become blocked by snow or ice, exhaust may back up, resulting in carbon monoxide build-up or a release of natural gas.
- Use a broom or brush to gently clear the area around the meter of anything blocking it, including debris, ice and snow.
- Do not melt ice or snow on meters with a heat source, and do not chip or scrape ice. These methods can damage or break the meter.
- It is also important to remove icicles that hang over the meter and can drip freezing water that may damage equipment.