BALTIMORE CITY PREPARES FOR WINTER WEATHER
BALTIMORE — Mayor Brandon Scott and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation want residents to know that the city is ready for whatever Mother Nature brings this winter. During a press conference at the North Avenue salt dome and brine facility on Thursday, city officials encouraged all of Baltimore to start preparing for winter weather now.
“We announce in this balmy 70-degree weather that Baltimore is ready for winter,” Scott said.
Scott said the city’s snow removal program includes more than 300 essential personnel, 294 pieces of equipment, and more than 300 pieces of contracted equipment. Snow crews are fully stocked with over 15,000 tons of salt and ready to respond during a winter storm, Scott said.
“We are well-prepared for winter weather, but we also need the cooperation of our residents,” Scott said. He urged residents to stay off the roads during a storm to avoid hindering snow removal efforts.
Interim director of the Department of Public Works, Richard Luna, advised residents to prepare their homes for severe temperatures, including keeping a thin stream of water running from a faucet in the lowest level of their homes if temperatures remain at or below 25 degrees for a prolonged period.
Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace offered safety tips for residents if they lose power during a winter storm, including using batteries instead of candles for lighting and keeping extra batteries in stock at all times. He also advised residents to use generators outside of their homes and to exercise caution with space heaters.
Director of the Office of Emergency Management, Joey Henderson, recommended that residents start assembling emergency kits for their homes and cars now, including enough food, water, and medicine for at least 72 hours.
Residents can visit snow.baltimorecity.gov for updated information once winter weather hits. Stay prepared and stay safe this winter.