Severe weather in Maryland may bring power outages that can disrupt things like communications, utilities, transportation, stores, gas stations and ATMs and prevent your ability to use electrically powered medical devices. It’s important to know what to do if your power goes out.
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
- If you use a generator, ONLY use it outdoors and away from windows.
- Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
- Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
- Go to a community location with power if cold is extreme and you can’t heat your home.
Source: Ready.gov
If your power goes out, contact your local power company. Maryland power companies include (but are not limited to):
Water outages can be reported to your county's Department of Public Works.
You can also call 2-1-1 for community resources. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 180 languages.
