01/22/2026
Even though in Maryland it’s not uncommon to prepare for a storm and end up with a dusting. I always say, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. So, let’s get prepared for a storm❄️🏠
I put together this 3-day plan so you can prep your HOME and your people without overthinking it.
3 DAYS BEFORE (set the foundation)
✅ Find your main water shutoff + exposed pipes
✅ Stock the boring-but-critical stuff: batteries, flashlights, chargers, ice melt, pantry basics
✅ Quick exterior walk: bring in loose items, clear drains, check gutters/downspouts
2 DAYS BEFORE (family readiness mode)
👨👩👧 Simple family plan
🧣 Warmth setup: pick the warmest room, blankets out, keep heat steady
🍽️ Food made easy: 2 no-cook meals + kid-friendly snacks + water filled
🔋 Charge everything + place flashlights where you’ll actually need them
1 DAY BEFORE (make it easy on Future You)
🧤 “Grab & go” zone: coats/gloves, meds, pet leash, chargers
🚗 Fill the gas tank / charge the EV
🛟 Safety check: smoke/CO detectors, lantern ready
🚰 If a hard freeze is expected: open sink cabinets + consider a slow drip overnight
IF THE POWER GOES OUT
➡️ Keep fridge/freezer closed
➡️ Unplug sensitive electronics (surge protection)
➡️ Everyone “camps” in the warmest room
➡️ Generator safety: outside only, away from windows
➡️ Know where main water shut-off valve is incase of frozen pipes
LOCAL RESOURCES (Montgomery County + MD)
📲 sign up for Alert Montgomery (county emergency alerts)
☎️ MC311: dial 311 (or 240-777-0311 from outside the county)
⚡ Pepco Outages / Downed Lines: 1-877-737-2662 | Potomac Edison outage, text OUT to 544487 (LIGHTS)
🧭 Statewide outage tracking: Maryland PSC Outage Info / Map
📞 Need help finding services/shelter: Call 211
🚨 Emergency: 911
If you want it, DM me “STORM” and I’ll send my local vendor list for trusted plumbers + HVAC providers (great to have before everyone’s calling at once). I serve Montgomery County of course, but I’m connected across the DMV.
Save this post + share it with a neighbor who always waits until the last minute. 😅