Baltimore County Executive declares State of Emergency ahead of winter storm

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier has declared a State of Emergency ahead of this weekend’s winter storm.

Klausmeier was joined by other county officials for a news conference on Friday morning at the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT) Woodlawn Salt Dome.

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The county will activate its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) over the weekend and remain open for the storm’s duration, according to officials. The EOC will be staffed by key county agencies to support “coordination, communication, and real-time response and resource deployment as conditions evolve.”

“We’re asking residents to stay off the roads if they can, give our crews the space they need to work, and check in on neighbors who may need extra help,” Kalusmeier said, via a press release.

The DPWT has about 500 pieces of equipment and around 600 crew members and contractors ready to treat and plow 2,700 miles of roads. Officials said the county has 91,000 tons of salt stored at 17 locations as well as a full supply of brine.

Crews will be pre-positioned along designated snow routes before the storm hits. This will allow for faster response, especially during overnight hours or around peak travel times.

“This storm is likely to impact all of us, which is why every department is working together—and why we are asking residents to do their part to help keep themselves and others safe,” Baltimore County Administrative Officer D’Andrea Walker said, via a press release.

Main roads are prioritized by DPWT followed by feeder roads and then residential streets. Officials said it takes around 24 hours to clear all county roads during storms producing less than six inches of snow. For storms accumulating more than six inches, plowing can be expected to take up to 48 hours.

County officials remind residents that crews don’t plow or salt state roads, private roads or alleys.

DPWT will monitor conditions and decide whether additional services, including trash and recycling pick-up, CountyRide and the Loop circulator bus service need to be adjusted or suspended.

Staying Informed and Safe

County residents can report unplowed streets on the BaltCoGo app online or call Bureau of Highways at 410-887-3560.

County systems that help police, fire, 911 and public works will stay fully operational with on-call staffing throughout the storm. For non-emergency calls, 311 will be available.

Officials said telework will be implemented where appropriate in order to keep services running and decrease unnecessary travel.

Residents are also reminded of the following safety tips:

• Baltimore County law states that sidewalks must be shoveled within 24 hours after a snowstorm. Baltimore County relies on reports from the public when sidewalks have not been cleared.
• It’s important to shovel snow onto your own property and not onto public streets.
• Bridges and overpasses typically freeze before roads—approach with caution.
• Use generators, grills, and camp stoves OUTSIDE, far from windows/doors. Never run generators in garages.
• Test smoke and CO alarms. Install CO detectors on every level.

Freezing Weather Shelters

The county is activating its freezing weather shelters to make sure people experiencing homelessness have access to safety and warmth.

Shelters are available at the following locations:

• Eastern Family Resource Center: 9150 Franklin Square Drive, Rosedale
• Hannah More Family Shelter:12041 Reisterstown Road, Reisterstown
• Westside Men’s Shelter: 309 Redwood Circle, Catonsville

Watch the full press conference with county officials below: