Maryland Winter Storm Prep: Is Your Home Ready for This Weekend?

LATEST UPDATE: January 22, 2026 With a significant winter storm projected to hit Anne Arundel County and the surrounding Maryland areas this weekend, we wanted to bring this guide back to the front of the line. Whether we get three inches or a foot, the "Maryland Spring Fake-out" is officially over.

If you’ve spent more than a year in Maryland, you know what's about to happen in the next couple of days: grocery store shelves will clear out, salt will become worth its weight in gold, and the gas station lines will wrap around the block.

Don't get caught in the rush. Use this checklist to protect your home (and your wallet) before the first flake falls.

1. The "Texture" Trick for Walkways

When you’re salting your driveway, don’t forget the walkways leading to your main access points (front door, garage, and shed).

• Pro Tip: If the ice is already thick, salt alone can be slow. Sprinkle clumping cat litter on top of the salt. It won't melt the ice, but it creates instant texture and traction, preventing those dangerous slips.

2. Guard Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive "preventable" repairs we see as Realtors.

• Inside: Open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air reach the plumbing.

• Outside: If you haven’t disconnected your garden hoses yet, do it now. A frozen hose can cause a pipe to burst inside your wall, leading to a massive headache once things thaw.

3. Strategic Hydration & Water Storage

Forgo the "fun" drinks—stock up on water.

• The Freezer Hack: If you have empty milk jugs or Tupperware, fill them 80% full with water and stick them in the freezer now. If the power goes out, these giant ice blocks will keep your refrigerated medications and perishables cold much longer than standard ice cubes.

4. Check the Chimney

If you have a fireplace, bring in a 2–3 day supply of firewood now so it’s dry when you need it.

• Maintenance Note: Ensure your chimney is clear of debris. If you haven't had a professional sweep this season, keep the fires small and never leave them unattended.

5. Seal the Leaks

Small drafts become big problems when the wind-chill drops.

• Use "draft stoppers" (or even a rolled-up towel) at the base of exterior doors.

• Close your curtains and blinds at night; they act as an extra layer of insulation to keep the heat where it belongs—inside with you.

6. The Neighborhood "Charging Hub"

This is a great time to band together as a community. Talk to your neighbors before the snow starts.

• Does someone on the block have a large generator? Make a plan to use that house as a "charging hub" for phones.

• Does a neighbor have a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a plow? See if you can coordinate a group clearing of the street.

The Bottom Line

Preparing for a storm isn't just about comfort—it's about protecting your home's value. A burst pipe or a fallen gutter can lead to thousands in repairs that could have been avoided with 20 minutes of prep.

Stay safe, stay warm, and if you need a recommendation for a local contractor for post-storm repairs, give us a call! We’re here to help long after the papers are signed.