Maryland Storm Hub for Older Adults & Caregivers
Emergency resources, warming centers, and support services for all 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City during the January 25-26 winter storm.
Quick Links:
State of Emergency Declared
Governor Moore has declared a State of Emergency due to the major winter storm and dangerously cold temperatures expected to impact Maryland beginning Saturday.
Heavy snow, ice, and wind chills near or below zero expected statewide.
Travel will be hazardous to near impossible. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.
Need Personal Assistance?
The Senior Soup is a free community resource. If you or a loved one needs help finding services, navigating resources, or just have questions — we're here for you.
💡 No question is too small. We're happy to help.
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to save before the storm. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
Life-Threatening Emergency
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injury, fire, or crime in progress
Maryland 211
Non-emergency assistance, shelter locations, food resources, and social services
Maryland Dept. of Aging
Statewide aging services, caregiver support, and elder resources
Non-Emergency Police
Welfare checks, minor incidents, road hazard reports, and general inquiries
Maryland Energy Assistance
Emergency help with heating bills and utility shut-off prevention
Before the Storm:
Save these numbers in your phone and write them down somewhere visible. During power outages, cordless phones won't work—keep a corded phone or charged cell phone accessible.
Find Resources in Your County
Select your county to see local warming centers, services for older adults and people with disabilities, and emergency contacts.
Select your county above to see local storm resources
Rural County Advisory
In rural counties (Allegany, Garrett, Eastern Shore), dedicated 24/7 warming centers are rare. Many rely on volunteer fire departments or motel vouchers activated only during declared emergencies.
If numbers below don't answer, dial 2-1-1 immediately.
Storm Safety for Older Adults & Caregivers
Essential tips for older adults, people with disabilities, and those who care for them
Prepare Now
- ✓ Stock medications – Have at least 7 days of prescription medications ready
- ✓ Charge devices – Fully charge your cell phone, tablet, and any medical devices
- ✓ Gather supplies – Water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries
- ✓ Write down important numbers – Emergency contacts, doctor, pharmacy on paper (not just in your phone)
- ✓ Tell someone your plan – Let family, neighbors, or friends know how to reach you
- ✓ Fill your car with gas – If you have a vehicle, fill the tank before the storm
Stay Safe Indoors
- ✓ Stay inside – Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary
- ✓ Keep warm layers ready – Dress in layers if heat goes out; have extra blankets accessible
- ✓ Stay away from windows – During high winds, stay in interior rooms
- ✓ Never use a gas stove for heat – This can cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning
- ✓ Check in regularly – Call or text family/friends to let them know you're okay
- ✓ Conserve phone battery – Reduce screen brightness and close unused apps
If You Lose Power
- ✓ Keep refrigerator closed – Food stays cold for about 4 hours if unopened
- ✓ Use flashlights, not candles – Candles are a fire hazard
- ✓ Unplug sensitive electronics – Protect TVs and computers from power surges
- ✓ If using a generator – ONLY use outside, never in a garage or near windows
- ✓ Go to a warming center – If your home gets too cold (below 65°F), seek shelter
- ✓ Call your utility company – Report outages and get estimated restoration times
Staying Safe Outdoors
- ✓ Wait for snow to be cleared – Do not attempt to walk through deep snow
- ✓ Wear proper footwear – Non-slip boots with good traction; avoid smooth-soled shoes
- ✓ Do NOT shovel snow yourself – Snow shoveling is a leading cause of heart attacks in older adults
- ✓ Watch for ice – Black ice is often invisible; walk slowly and deliberately
- ✓ Ask for help – Request assistance from neighbors, family, or local programs for snow removal
- ✓ Check on neighbors – If you're able, check on other seniors in your area
Carbon Monoxide Warning
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can kill in minutes.
Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or gasoline/propane heaters inside your home, garage, or near windows. If you experience headache, dizziness, or nausea during a power outage, get fresh air immediately and call 911.
Want a printable version of these safety tips?
Print This PageStay Informed Using Your Voice
If you have a smart speaker (Amazon Echo, Google Home, or Apple HomePod), you can get weather alerts and local news without touching a screen. Just say the command out loud.
Simplest Option: Ask for Weather Alerts
Say this to your Amazon Alexa device:
Alexa will automatically notify you when the National Weather Service issues watches or warnings for your area. You only need to say this once to turn it on.
NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts continuous weather information directly from the National Weather Service. It's the most reliable source for official storm warnings. You can listen through your smart speaker.
Maryland Weather Radio Stations
Find the station that covers your area
(Pikesville)
(Silver Spring)
(Clear Spring)
Commands for Your Device
These local radio stations provide traffic reports, road closures, and storm updates. WTOP is especially good for real-time traffic during snow events.
WTOP 103.5 FM
24/7 news, traffic every 10 minutes, weather updates
WAMU 88.5 FM (NPR)
DC/MD/VA local news, in-depth reporting, podcasts
WFMD 930 AM
Frederick County local news and talk
WBAL 1090 AM
Baltimore news and talk radio
These podcasts focus on Maryland news and can be played on your smart speaker. They're good for catching up on local news when you have time.
WYPR's Midday
Daily Maryland news and politics discussion
Conduit Street Podcast
Maryland county government and state policy (from Maryland Association of Counties)
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Allegany Communications News
Western Maryland local news coverage
Available on podcast apps
Tips for Better Results
- Speak clearly and pause slightly after saying "Alexa," "Hey Google," or "Hey Siri" before continuing your command.
- Keep a written list of your favorite commands near your device. Large print helps!
- Start with just one or two commands until you're comfortable, then add more.
- If a command doesn't work, try saying it again more slowly, or phrase it slightly differently.
- Set up a morning routine: On Alexa, you can create a "Good Morning" routine that automatically plays news and weather at a set time each day.
Want a printable version? Print this page to keep near your smart speaker.
Voice command guide prepared by Sentinel Silver — Maryland's Dignity-Centered Technology Support Service
Subscribe to Winter Storm Updates
Sign up to receive real-time updates about warming centers, road conditions, and services for older adults and people with disabilities during the storm. We'll also send helpful resources year-round.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy
Prefer to talk to someone?
Call us at (202) 350-2674 or email Help@TheSeniorSoup.com
How You Can Help
Neighbors, family members, and caregivers can make a life-saving difference for older adults and people with disabilities during winter storms
Check on Older Neighbors
Before the storm, exchange phone numbers with older neighbors and those with disabilities. During and after, check in regularly—a quick call or knock could save a life.
- Exchange contact information today
- Offer to pick up groceries or medications
- Check for signs of heat/light if power goes out
Request a Welfare Check
If you can't reach an older adult and are concerned about their safety, request a welfare check from local police.
- Call the non-emergency police line
- Provide the person's address and your concerns
- Officers will check on their wellbeing
Volunteer Your Time
Many counties have programs connecting volunteers with seniors who need help with snow removal, errands, or companionship.
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging
- Sign up for "Snow Buddies" type programs
- Check with local faith communities
For Family Members & Caregivers Across the Country
If you have an older parent, relative, or loved one with a disability in Maryland and you're worried about them during the storm, you can still help from afar:
- Call regularly — Check in at least twice a day during the storm
- Arrange grocery delivery — Services like Instacart can deliver essentials
- Request a welfare check — Local police will check on them if you can't reach them
- Connect them with neighbors — Help them exchange numbers with nearby residents
- Share this page — Send them this resource hub so they have information ready
Report Local Conditions
Help us track the storm in real-time across Maryland
See a road closure? Know of a warming center update? Spot someone who needs help? Your reports help us keep this hub accurate and save lives. We verify all reports before sharing.
Prefer to call or text?