Westminster, MD, Friday, January 29, 2021 – Carroll County agencies are monitoring reports and preparing for the inclement weather expected this weekend and early next week. We are currently experiencing cold temperatures now and forecasts indicate possible snowfall beginning early on Sunday, January 31, 2021.

These are some things to consider as the county braces for the storm:

Shelter: Human Services Programs of Carroll County is operating a temporary shelter located at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 17 Bond St. in Westminster.  This is a 24-hour shelter that serves as a Day Center during daytime hours. The day center is a drop-in center that offers activities, access to charging stations, shelter from the weather, case management services, televisions and also serves as a warming center during extreme temperature weather events. The shelter phone number is 443-201-3428.  There are no admissions between 10pm and 8am.  You must be able to negotiate 12 steps for access to the building. If this is not possible, please call staff at the Adult Only Shelter (410-386-6679) who will provide an accessible alternative.

Services include a warm, safe place to sleep at night, case management/community resource connection assistance, nightly dinner, light breakfast items/snacks and hot beverages.

Participants are required to engage in a COVID screening process upon entry into the building with a positive screen requiring additional testing and services from outside medical staff. Face masks must be worn at all times, except when eating or sleeping. Participants must remain 6 feet apart from others.

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/

Carroll County Government Offices: Carroll County Government will evaluate the situation on Sunday, January 31st in the evening and communicate any delays or closures for Monday, February 1, 2021 as soon as possible.

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.