This is a moment to slow down, plan ahead, and make safety the focus — for yourself, your family, your neighbors, and everyone who shares our streets and sidewalks.
What’s Happening Now: How Silver Spring Is Preparing
Before the first flakes fall, winter response planning kicks into high gear. Crews are staging equipment, monitoring forecasts, and preparing priority routes throughout the county and downtown core.
Preparation efforts include:
• Pre-treating roads, bridges, and sidewalks when conditions allow
• Prioritizing emergency and evacuation routes, bridges, hospitals, transit corridors, and Metro access points
• Maintaining access to critical life-safety infrastructure such as fire hydrants and emergency facilities
• Preparing snow plows and salt trucks for continuous operations during the storm
• Coordinating communication across County departments and local partners
• Monitoring weather conditions in real time to adjust response as needed
In downtown Silver Spring, the Red Shirts team is also preparing to respond once conditions are safe, helping identify hazards, support accessibility, and assist with post-storm cleanup.
What Residents and Businesses Should Do Before the Storm
Preparation at home and work makes a real difference during major storms. Taking steps now can help prevent emergencies later.
Prepare Your Home
• Stock up on food, water, medications, and essential supplies
• Charge phones, backup batteries, and flashlights
• Check that you have ice melt and a snow shovel
• Bring in outdoor furniture, trash cans, and loose items
• Set thermostats appropriately and know how to keep pipes from freezing
Prepare Your Vehicle
• Avoid unnecessary travel once the storm begins
• If you must drive, keep your gas tank full
• Pack an emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, and a flashlight
• Move vehicles off snow emergency routes if instructed
Plan Ahead
• Sign up for County emergency alerts
• Check in with neighbors who may need assistance
• Make arrangements for pets
• Prepare for possible power outages
During the Storm: Stay Safe and Stay Put
When snowfall intensifies, the safest place to be is indoors.
• Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary
• Stay off roads to allow plows and emergency vehicles to operate
• Do not shovel during peak snowfall if conditions are unsafe
• Watch for falling branches and power lines
• Keep walkways clear only when it is safe to do so
County crews will focus first on emergency routes and major roads. Residential streets and sidewalks may take longer to clear during a large storm.
Property Owner Responsibilities and What to Expect After the Storm
Clearing snow and ice is a shared responsibility. While County crews focus first on major roads, emergency routes, and critical infrastructure, property owners and businesses play a vital role in keeping sidewalks and entrances safe and accessible.
By County code, property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their properties within 24 hours after the end of snowfall. Timely clearing helps protect pedestrians, supports accessibility, and speeds the overall recovery process.
Once conditions are safe, businesses are encouraged to clear entrances, sidewalks, and curb ramps serving their properties.
After the Storm: What to Expect
Snow response continues well after the snow stops falling.
• Main roads and transit routes are cleared first
• Side streets, sidewalks, and public spaces follow
• Crews may need multiple passes to fully clear snow and ice
• Refreezing overnight can create hazardous conditions
Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their properties within the required timeframe. Clearing snow helps protect pedestrians, supports accessibility, and keeps downtown moving.
The Red Shirts team will be out once conditions allow, monitoring public spaces, flagging hazards, and supporting a safe return to normal activity downtown.
Getting Around Downtown Safely
If you must be out after the storm:
• Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear
• Walk slowly and allow extra time
• Use cleared paths whenever possible
• Be cautious near curb ramps and crosswalks
• Watch for snowplows and service vehicles
Downtown safety depends on everyone doing their part.
Stay Informed: County Resources
For the most up-to-date information on road conditions, snow emergency routes, school and government closures, and winter safety guidance, visit Montgomery County’s Snow Information Portal:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/snow/
This page is updated regularly during winter storms and is the best source for official guidance.
Here to Help, Even in Winter
The Silver Spring Urban District Clean & Safe Team remains a resource for the community year-round. When conditions are safe, the Red Shirts are available to assist downtown with:
• Safety monitoring
• Hazard reporting
• Visitor assistance
• Escorts and support services
Need a hand downtown after the storm?
Call the Silver Spring Urban District Clean & Safe Team at 240-876-2911
As this storm approaches, preparation and patience matter. By planning ahead and looking out for one another, Silver Spring can weather this storm safely — together.