By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
It’s always a good idea to be prepared when the weather turns bad. The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning for our region for later tonight and tomorrow. The alert includes the following: “Travel is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”
Anyone can have an issue with severe weather, but of special concern are senior citizens, children, and homeless persons. Everyone engaging in outdoor activities should be cautious when walking and everyone should be carefully monitored for frostbite and hypothermia.
In Garrett County most people know their neighbors, and during severe weather we should check on those neighbors, especially the elderly and anyone who lives alone.
All pets/animals should have warm shelter or be brought indoors.
Community members should be aware of the following resources:
- Monitor weather alerts and warnings on weather.com or other local resources
- For cold weather emergencies, call 911
- Persons needing emergency fuel assistance may call Community Action at 301-334-9431
- Persons needing emergency shelter, call Department of Social Services at 301-533-3000
(IF A COLD-WEATHER SHELTER HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED) - For assistance with pets or stray animals, call Garrett County Animal Shelter at 301-334-3553
Visit cdc.gov/disasters/winter for additional winter weather tips.