Westminster, MD, Thursday, January 6, 2022 – Due to impending inclement weather, Carroll County Government offices will open at 10:00 AM tomorrow, Friday, January 7, 2022. Possible low visibility and wind conditions will add to the morning concerns. The delayed opening will assist safe travel for commuters around the county as diverse conditions are expected throughout the area.  Also:

The Resource Recovery Park (Northern Landfill) will open at 10:00 AM. 

The Carroll Transit System and Trailblazer will begin services at 10:00 AM.  

Please monitor for updates before traveling as the county will reevaluate at 7:00 AM.

“As we expect to experience our first snowstorm of this winter season, please remember to always put safety first during hazardous precipitation,” said Commissioner Ed Rothstein, President of the Board of Commissioners. “Stay off the roads if you can, to let the snow equipment operators do their work. Be cautious on the roads and pathways and as always, take care of yourselves, your loved ones and the community.”

Official Forecast Information: https://www.weather.gov/lwx/winter

Winter Weather Preparedness Tips: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Additional winter weather safety information is available in the Carroll County Citizens Guide to Emergency Preparedness:  https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/public-safety/emergency-management/citizens-guide-to-emergency-preparedness/. Also explore the Carroll County Department of Public Safety’s Facebook and Twitter (@CarrCoMDPubSafe) for more tips on how to stay safe during wintry weather.

For those seeking shelter:  Human Services Programs (HSP) of Carroll County offers a day center located in the basement of St. Paul’s Church at 17 Bond Street in Westminster, which operates daily from 10:00am through 8:00pm. The day center is a drop-in center for street homeless that offers activities, access to charging stations, shelter from the weather, case management services, televisions and provides hot dinner nightly. The day center also serves as a warming center during extreme temperature weather events for any resident. The phone number is 443-201-3428.  Individuals must be able to negotiate 12 steps for access to the building. If this is not possible, please call the Adult Only Shelter 410-386-6679 for an accessible alternative. 

HSP also operates a year-round night-by-night shelter located at 127 Stoner Avenue, Westminster, MD which accepts nightly participants at 7pm with stays through 8am the following morning. Contact 410-386-6679 for more information.  Light food is available.

Those interested may either walk into each location or call for more information. At both locations, participants are required to engage in a COVID screening process upon entry into the building. A positive screen will require additional testing and services from outside medical staff. Face masks must be worn at all times, except when eating or sleeping. Participants must also remain 6 feet apart from others.

County non-emergencies:  Residents wishing to report snow-related non-emergencies such as mailbox damage should use the county’s See Click Report site and mobile app.

For more information on local cold weather resources, including energy assistance, visit the Carroll County Health Department cold weather webpage or check out the Carroll County Health Department on Facebook.