BALTIMORE, Md. — As heavy snow continues to fall across Maryland, officials are urging residents from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to the streets surrounding the Maryland State House in Annapolis to take critical safety steps before going to sleep.
Forecasters have warned that snowfall totals in some areas could climb dramatically overnight, increasing strain on rooftops, blocking ventilation systems and raising the risk of power outages. While travel has already slowed along Interstate 95 and portions of Route 50, emergency managers say the most overlooked dangers often develop after residents turn in for the night.
“The overnight hours are when temperatures typically drop and problems compound,” local emergency officials cautioned earlier in the day.
Authorities are encouraging Marylanders to conduct a brief but important home check before heading to bed.
Key safety checks residents should complete tonight:
- Clear furnace and dryer vents. Snow accumulation can block exterior vents, increasing the risk of dangerous carbon monoxide buildup inside homes.
- Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Ensure devices are powered and functioning properly, especially as heating systems run continuously.
- Inspect space heaters. Keep heaters at least three feet away from furniture, curtains and bedding. Turn off units not designed for overnight use.
- Look up — not just out. Flat and low-pitch roofs, common across parts of Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County, can accumulate heavy snow quickly. Listen for unusual creaking sounds and watch for ceiling discoloration.
- Protect pipes along exterior walls. Open cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Move vehicles if possible. Ensure tailpipes are clear of snow before running engines, particularly in densely packed neighborhoods.
- Charge essential devices. With gusting winds expected overnight, power interruptions remain possible across central Maryland.
Officials say the combination of falling temperatures and sustained snowfall could create additional hazards by early morning, including hidden ice beneath fresh powder and compacted snow blocking entryways.
Communities from Federal Hill in Baltimore to downtown Annapolis have already reported rapidly accumulating snow, with plows working extended shifts to keep main arteries passable. Still, authorities emphasize that residential streets may not see immediate clearing.
Emergency management teams remind residents that calling 911 should be reserved for life-threatening situations. Non-emergency concerns should be directed to local municipal hotlines where available.
As the storm continues, officials stress that preparation before bedtime can prevent emergencies before dawn.
Residents are encouraged to remain indoors, limit unnecessary travel and check on elderly neighbors who may require assistance.
The heaviest snowfall is expected to taper off by tomorrow, but officials note that the hours between midnight and early morning often present the greatest strain on homes and infrastructure.
For now, authorities say a five-minute check tonight could make a significant difference by morning.
