Baltimore transportation officials share winter weather preparedness plans
Baltimore leaders and transportation officials shared details about the city's winter weather preparedness plans on Thursday.
It comes as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting warmer-than-average temperatures in the U.S. this winter.
2025 Winter preparedness
During the summer, multiple Baltimore agencies worked together to examine and improve the city's winter preparedness plan, according to Mayor Brandon Scott.
The city's snow response program includes more than 300 personnel and 600 pieces of equipment, the mayor said.
"We are fully stocked with over 15,000 tons of salt, zero of which we hope to use this winter, and our crews are ready for snow," Scott said Thursday.
Scott advised neighbors to prepare for the winter by putting together an emergency supply kit for their homes and vehicles that includes blankets, flashlights, non-perishable foods, jumper cables and shovels. He also advised residents to check on their neighbors, especially at-risk or elderly neighbors.
The mayor also urged residents to stay off the roads during snowstorms this winter.
"Our snow crews can treat our roads more efficiently when there are fewer cars on the road," the mayor said. "Every car that gets stuck means a delay for everybody, and someone complaining about why their street is not yet plowed. Make sure that we're staying home to allow them the space to do their job."
If you have to drive, remember to take an emergency kit, drive slowly on ice and snow, and leave space for plows to operate.
Parking restrictions could be implemented during winter weather responses.
Baltimore Department of Public Works Director Matthew Garbark reminded homeowners to prevent water service lines from freezing by disconnecting outside hose lines and turning the water supply to outdoor faucets off during the winter.
"I advise you to do this now because you never know when a cold snap with freezing temperatures could start, and then you could have a flood in your house," he said.
He also advised homeowners to periodically check their sump pumps.
Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace noted that winter weather can bring fire safety challenges due to candles, holiday decorations or heating appliances.
"Half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February," Wallace said. "It's also a fact that one in every seven home fires and one in every five home fire deaths involves heating equipment."
According to Wallace, residents should turn off space heaters when they are not in use and keep items like clothing or furniture at least three feet away from heat sources.
2024 winter season
During the 2024-25 winter season, Baltimore began its Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert Season on Nov. 15, 2024. The measure ensures that vulnerable populations have resources during cold weather days.
The official Code Blue Alert is activated when wind chills drop below 13 degrees or dangerous temperatures are in the forecast.
The alert aims to reduce hypothermia and cold-weather deaths. During the alert, city agencies distribute meals to older adults, provide home weatherization services, increase capacity at homeless shelters and complete other outreach efforts.
The previous Extreme Cold season lasted through March 15, 2025.
Cold weather deaths
A total of 67 cold-related deaths were reported during the previous winter season, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
Baltimore saw 21 cold-related deaths, while Baltimore County saw 8, and Anne Arundel County saw 4. Most of those deaths were reported in adults 45 and older.
During the 2023-24 winter season, Maryland reported 70 cold-related deaths compared to 45 in 2022 and 52 in 2021.
