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Maryland Department of Emergency Management

7th Annual Maryland Winter Safety Week: December 9–15, 2024

HANOVER, MD (December 6, 2024) — As Maryland gears up for another winter season, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is proud to announce the launch of the 7th Annual Maryland Winter Safety Week, running from December 9–15, 2024. This year’s initiative highlights the theme “Resilience Starts at Home,” encouraging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from winter hazards.

Winter weather can present serious risks, from icy roads and power outages to extreme cold and fires caused by improper heating. Every year, winter hazards lead to preventable injuries, financial losses, and even fatalities. Winter Safety Week is about equipping Marylanders with the knowledge and tools to navigate the season safely and confidently. By working together and focusing on preparedness, we can build a Maryland that’s ready to weather the season safely.

Focused on Winter Hazards

Throughout Winter Safety Week, MDEM will collaborate with federal, state, and local partners, including the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to provide Marylanders with critical safety tips and resources. The campaign covers:

  • Health Risks from Cold Weather : Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can lower body temperature, weaken the immune system, and exacerbate chronic conditions like asthma or arthritis.
  • Indoor Heating Safety: Carbon monoxide poisoning remains a significant threat as residents turn to alternative heating sources during power outages.
  • Community Support: Residents are encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbors, including seniors and those with access and functional needs.

Be Winter-Ready with MdReady

A highlight of this year’s campaign is the MdReady system, a cutting-edge platform designed to keep Marylanders informed before, during, and after emergencies. MdReady text alert program offers alerts in 185 languages, ensuring accessibility for Maryland’s diverse population. To sign up, text MdReady to 211-631 or visit md.gov/alerts and customize your preferences to receive relevant notifications for your area.

Practical Winter Safety Tips

MDEM recommends the following steps to prepare for the winter season:

  1. Stay Informed: Have multiple ways to receive alerts, including MdReady and trusted weather sources like the NWS.
  2. Keep a car emergency kit in your vehicle, including winter supplies and essentials. Having a car emergency kit can be the difference between surviving being stranded in a severe winter storm or blizzard and getting frostbite, or worse, dying.
  3. Winterize Your Vehicle: Check tires, battery, and emergency supplies like a scraper, first-aid kit, and jumper cables.
  4. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration offers these tips for safe winter driving.
  5. Ensure Home Safety: Insulate pipes, test smoke detectors, and avoid using stoves or unventilated generators as heat sources.

Join the Conversation

MDEM will be sharing tips, trivia, and expert advice daily through its social media channels using the hashtags #MdReady and #WinterSafetyWeek2024. Residents are encouraged to participate, ask questions, and share how they’re preparing for winter.

For more tips and updates, visit MdReady.maryland.gov and follow MDEM on  X (Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

As we move into the coldest months of the year, preparedness is not just a recommendation—it’s a shared responsibility. Let’s work together to make Maryland a safer, more resilient state this winter. Stay safe, stay informed, and stay MdReady!