Baltimore ‘prepared to tackle’ whatever winter brings, mayor says

Baltimore is ready for winter. That was the message Monday from Mayor Brandon Scott and other city officials who discussed preparations for severe winter weather.

Baltimore was hit by a major snowstorm in late January that left mountains of snow on sidewalks and in parking lots and closed schools for days. The city brought in contractors to remove the snow — dubbed “snowcrete” after it froze solid — from roads and alleys.

Scott, standing in front of the salt dome and brine facility on North Avenue used during winter weather events, described last winter as the “ultimate test” but said everyone working together helped get the city through it.

Baltimore is “more prepared to tackle whatever this year brings,” Scott said, adding that “we’re all hoping that it is 0 inches of snow and ice.”

In May, the city said it spent about $80 million on snow removal — more than 10 times what it had budgeted.

The update comes after the National Weather Service said some parts of the mid-Atlantic could see their first measurable snow of the season later this week.

Staying prepared and informed

Officials outlined several resources residents should be aware of before winter.

Scott recommended that city residents create a fully stocked emergency kit that includes blankets, nonperishable food, jumper cables and other essentials.

He also suggested signing up for BMORE Alert, a system run by the Office of Emergency Management that sends critical notifications.

The Baltimore City Health Department issues a Code Blue when temperatures fall below 13 degrees, which indicates an increased risk of cold-related injuries and opens up resources for the community. Last winter, a Code Blue was issued 21 times, Health Department Commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor said. There were also 18 cold-related deaths.

Taylor offered four tips during extreme cold: knowing the signs of hypothermia and frostbite, dressing in multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing, walking slowly to avoid icy steps, and taking time to check on the most vulnerable in the community.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services issues a Code Purple when temperatures are below freezing, which opens up emergency shelters and warming centers to residents in need. There were 78 Code Purple days last year, said Ernestina Simmons, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services.

Scott also stressed the importance of being a good neighbor during extreme weather.

If you live next to someone who might have difficulty clearing snow, “shovel their sidewalk for them,” he said.