BALTIMORE — As heavy snow and high winds move across Maryland tonight, residents in Baltimore, Annapolis and surrounding areas are being urged to prepare for the possibility of overnight power outages.
When electricity cuts out during a winter storm, the first few minutes matter most.
Emergency officials recommend residents remain indoors and avoid stepping outside to investigate downed lines or transformer flashes. Snow-covered roads and low visibility make nighttime travel especially dangerous.
The primary concern during an outage is heat. Many Maryland homes rely on electric-powered heating systems. If power fails, residents should immediately close off unused rooms, seal drafts with towels or blankets and layer clothing to conserve body heat. Temperatures can drop quickly once heating systems shut down.
Officials also warn against bringing generators, grills or propane heaters inside garages or homes. Carbon monoxide buildup can occur rapidly and without warning. Battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors should be checked and kept accessible.
Residents are advised to limit refrigerator and freezer use during an outage to preserve food and maintain cold temperatures. Phone batteries should be conserved by lowering screen brightness and using low-power settings.
Utility crews are typically staged ahead of major winter events, but restoration times can vary depending on snowfall totals and wind conditions.
Maryland residents are encouraged to monitor official local alerts and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
As snow continues overnight, preparation and caution remain the strongest safeguards against additional risk.
