Montgomery County issues Cold Emergency Alert ahead of winter storm

Montgomery County has issued a cold emergency alert as of 3 p.m. Friday and continuing through Wednesday, Jan. 28 at noon.

A Cold Emergency Alert is the highest level of extreme temperature alert issued by the county. It is activated when conditions—temperature combined with wind chill—are expected to fall below 20 degrees and other hazardous conditions are present. These conditions pose a significant threat to exposed human and animal life.

Information on how to prepare for and respond to extreme cold is available on the county’s Hypothermia Alert page. County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis also shares important winter safety guidance. Residents can watch the Winter Safety Tips from Montgomery County’s Public Health Officer video on the county’s YouTube channel.

If as much snow arrives this weekend as expected, RideOn bus service may switch to S service so rider should visit the Ride On website for service updates.

When residents need to get out of the cold, they should go to libraries, recreation centers and senior centers during their normally scheduled hours.

During periods of extreme cold, residents are reminded to take the following precautions:

• Limit time outdoors when possible. Extreme cold poses increased risks for children, older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and animals. Frostbite can develop in as little as 30 minutes of exposure.
• Dress in layers of warm clothing and wear a hat; nearly half of body heat is lost through the head.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from cold air.
• Mittens (snug at the wrist) provide better warmth than gloves.
• Do not ignore shivering, which is an early sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
• Residents who must work or spend extended periods outdoors should wear additional layers, take frequent breaks in warm locations, and drink warm fluids. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

To report a downed power line, contact Pepco at 877.737.2662. To report a downed tree that is blocking roads or creating hazards, call the Department of Transportation at 240.777.0311.

To track county snowplows, check out the Storm Operations Map at: montgomerycountymd.gov/snow/.