❄️ WINTER SAFETY ALERT
Cold weather poses serious health risks. Hypothermia can occur in temperatures above freezing, especially with wind and moisture. Keep your home heated to at least 68°F and know the warning signs of cold-related illness.
Essential Winter Preparations
🌡️ Keep Your Heat On
Never turn off your heat completely, even when away. Set thermostat to minimum 55°F to prevent frozen pipes. BGE's Budget Billing can help manage winter heating costs.
💧 Prevent Frozen Pipes
Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate. Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold. Know where your water shut-off valve is located in case of emergency.
🔥 Space Heater Safety
Keep space heaters 3 feet away from anything flammable. Never leave running while sleeping or away from home. Plug directly into wall outlet, never use extension cords.
Recognize Cold Weather Emergencies
Hypothermia Warning Signs:
• Shivering, exhaustion, confusion
• Slurred speech, drowsiness
• Weak pulse, shallow breathing
Call 911 immediately if suspected
Your Winter Action Plan
STEP 1: Winterize Your Home NOW
Check windows and doors for drafts. Use rolled towels or weatherstripping to block cold air. Close vents and doors in unused rooms. Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down. Report any heating issues to your property manager immediately.
STEP 2: Apply for Utility Assistance
OHEP (Office of Home Energy Programs) provides heating assistance from October through March. MEAP (Maryland Energy Assistance Program) helps with electric bills year-round. Apply early as funds are limited. Your case manager can help with applications.
STEP 3: Know Your Emergency Resources
Keep emergency numbers posted where you can see them. Know the location of your nearest warming center. Have flashlights and batteries ready for power outages. Keep medications and important documents in one accessible place.
❄️ WINTER UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ❄️
Energy & Heating Assistance
Winter heating bills can strain your budget, but multiple assistance programs are available to help. These programs can provide bill payment assistance, prevent utility shutoffs, and in some cases provide weatherization services. Don't wait until you're facing shutoff – apply early and ask your case manager for help navigating the application process.
💡 BGE Energy Saving Tips
- Lower thermostat to 68°F during day, 65°F at night
- Use LED bulbs – they use 75% less energy
- Unplug devices not in use (TVs, phone chargers)
- Take shorter showers to reduce water heating costs
- Cook multiple dishes at once to maximize oven efficiency
Comprehensive Utility Assistance Directory
| Program | Service | Phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| OHEP (Office of Home Energy Programs) | Heating Assistance | (800) 352-1446 | Oct-Mar. Helps pay heating bills. Income eligible. Apply at 311 Call Center or local DSS |
| MEAP (Maryland Energy Assistance) | Electric Bill Help | (410) 537-4000 | Year-round electric assistance. Call to apply or visit Department of Social Services |
| BGE Bill Assistance | Multiple Programs | (877) 778-7798 | Budget Billing, payment plans, energy efficiency programs. Call customer service |
| Fuel Fund of Maryland | Emergency Heat | (410) 837-4208 | Emergency fuel assistance for oil, gas, electric heat. One-time grants |
| GEDCO Cares | Utility Help | (410) 522-8900 | Utility assistance, case management. Serves Baltimore City residents |
| Catholic Charities | Energy Programs | (667) 600-2000 | Utility assistance and energy programs. Multiple Baltimore locations |
| Empower Maryland | Energy Efficiency | BGESmartEnergy.com | Free energy audits, weatherization, LED bulbs. Income qualified |
| Arundel Community Development | Bill Payment | (410) 222-5800 | Emergency utility assistance. Serves Anne Arundel County residents |
| Baltimore Gas & Electric | Payment Plans | (800) 685-0123 | Flexible payment arrangements to avoid shutoff. Call before missing payment |
| Maryland Saves | Energy Info | www.marylandsaves.org | Energy saving tips, rebates, assistance program information |
| St. Vincent de Paul | Emergency Help | (667) 212-3380 | One-time emergency utility assistance. Contact local parish office |
Holiday & Winter Resources:
🎄 Toys for Tots: (410) 887-4438 | Free toys for children. Register by Dec 15. Visit toysfortots.org
🍽️ Holiday Meal Programs: (410) 467-5340 | Franciscan Center, St. Vincent de Paul, and local churches offer free holiday meals
☕ Warming Centers: Call 211 for locations | Open during Code Blue alerts (32°F or below). Free warm shelter, hot beverages
☃️ The Y in Central Maryland (Y Open Doors & Community Schools): (443) 322‑9622 | Sliding‑scale financial assistance (about 25–75% off) for Y membership, camps, preschool, and enrichment, plus Y Community Schools that offer food, clothing, and school‑success supports for students in high‑poverty Baltimore neighborhoods.
📞 Baltimore Crisis Response: (410) 433-5175 | 24/7 mental health crisis support during stressful holiday season
Protecting Your Housing During Winter
Cold weather can create housing emergencies. High utility bills may tempt you to skip rent or turn off heat completely. Both put your housing stability at risk. Never choose between heat and rent – programs exist to help with both. Contact your case manager before a crisis develops.
How Your Case Manager Can Help This Winter
- ✓ Apply for OHEP and MEAP assistance
- ✓ Connect with emergency utility funds
- ✓ Arrange payment plans with BGE
- ✓ Access holiday food and gift programs
- ✓ Coordinate emergency repairs for heat/water
⚠️ WINTER EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Heating Emergency: BGE (877) 778-7798 | 24/7
Code Blue Alerts: Call 211 for warming center locations
Medical Emergency: 911
Mental Health Crisis: (410) 433-5175 | 24/7
Poison Control: (800) 222-1222
Always-Available Resources:
📞 211 Maryland: Call 2-1-1 or visit 211md.org | 24/7 for food, housing, utilities, and benefits assistance statewide
🏠 Maryland Food Bank: Visit mdfoodbank.org | Find local food pantries and meal programs throughout Maryland
🍽️ Franciscan Center: (410) 467-5340 | Food assistance, household items, and diapers. Call for hours