As Temperatures Fall, Montgomery County Issues ‘Cold Emergency Alert’ Starting at 7 p.m. TODAY, Friday, Jan. 19; Some County Services Affected by Snow

For Immediate Release: Friday, January 19, 2024

Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will issue a “Cold Emergency Alert” starting at 7 p.m. TODAY, Friday, Jan. 19 and lasting through 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22. Extremely cold weather is expected to drop temperatures into the teens and single digits. Wind chill lows during this time are expected to be in the single digits and near zero degrees.

A Cold Emergency Alert is the highest level of extreme temperature alert issued by the County. It is activated when conditions—temperature combined with wind chill—are forecast to be below 20 degrees and other hazardous conditions are present. These conditions pose a significant threat to exposed human and animal life. The conditions may include wind chill advisories or warnings from the National Weather Service and/or significant snow accumulation. 

The County’s updated Hypothermia Alert page has more information on steps to take before and during the extreme temperature conditions. 

Due to today’s snow, Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Ride On buses have been operating on an "S Service Schedule" as of noon, Friday, Jan. 19. The span of service is the same as the weekday schedule, with a reduced frequency of service. Riders should check the Ride On website for updates.

• Ride On extRa service along Rockville Pike/355, will also be cancelled for the rest of the day.
• Flash branded articulated buses have been replaced with Ride On and Ride On extRa buses for the day. These buses will be stopping only at the Flash stops and running the regular Flash service route along US 29/Colesville Road.  

Trash and recycling service is suspended for today and the County’s Shady Grove Recycling Center and Transfer Station in Derwood is closed today.  Visit the Department of Environmental Protection's website for more information about trash and recycling schedules.

Montgomery County Public Libraries’ MoComCon 2024 celebration, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Germantown Library and Black Rock Center for the Performing Arts has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 2.  

Residents are advised to check County Public Libraries and Recreation websites for updates throughout the day on any facility closures.

There is always a particular concern during periods of extreme cold for children, seniors, individuals who are homeless and animals.

Everyone spending time outside should take necessary precautions against the extreme cold. Frostbite can occur with as little as 30 minutes of exposure to the cold. Anyone spending time outside should dress in layers of warm clothing and wear a hat. Nearly half of body heat is lost through the head. Cover mouths to protect lungs from extreme cold. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.  

Individuals are advised not to ignore shivering, which is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors. Stay indoors if possible. Take extra precautions if you work or spend long amounts of time outdoors. Wear extra layers and take frequent breaks in a warm location.

All Montgomery County facilities, such as libraries, recreation centers and senior centers, when open during their regular hours, can be used by anyone needing an escape from the cold. Public shopping centers are also available as warm locations during their hours of operation. Residents should check that a facility is open before visiting.

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services staff, as well as community-based providers, will reach out to individuals who are experiencing homelessness to urge them to seek shelter during the extreme cold temperatures over the next several days. Residents concerned about the well-being of a homeless individual can call the 24-hour Line at 240-907-2688. Outreach partners will attempt to locate the individual and offer resources and support. Preparations are being made in case emergency shelters are needed because of power outages or other emergencies.  

If a resident is facing a utility shut off, the County’s Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) may be able to help. Call OHEP at 240-777-4450 or call 3-1-1.  Apply online at https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/#/ .

In accordance with Executive Regulation 17-17, during a period of extreme cold temperatures, pets must not be left outside unattended. Leaving a pet outside unattended in these conditions may be considered an act of cruelty and pet owners could be charged and fined accordingly. This regulation is enforced by the Office of Animal Services, under the authority of its executive director.

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Release ID: 24-042
Media Contact: Mark Roper 240-962-1743
Categories: Library, Public Safety, Recreation, Snow