How District 8 and Pepco Are Powering Up Communities Ahead of the Winter Storm

District 8 Council Member Edward Burroughs III

As winter grips the Washington, D.C. region, forecasters are warning of the most significant snowstorm of the season approaching the metro area this weekend. Beginning late Friday night, the storm is expected to blanket the region with 6 to 10 inches of snow, accompanied by gusty winds and freezing rain. The National Weather Service predicts hazardous travel conditions through Sunday afternoon, with the heaviest snowfall between midnight and noon on Saturday. With temperatures dropping into the 20s and wind chills in the teens, it’s a weekend that demands preparation—from our homes and roads to our kitchens and hearts.

Fortunately, the Washington, D.C. metro community is no stranger to resilience. Two local efforts—District 8’s “Food Before Flakes” distribution and Pepco’s emergency readiness campaign—are stepping up to make sure residents are informed, supported, and safe as the snow moves in.

Nourishing the Community: Food Before Flakes

Even as snow clouds gather, District 8’s Food Before Flakes event is determined to serve. “Rain, cold, or storm—our commitment to you does not change,” say the organizers, who have been serving families across southern Prince George’s County with warmth and dignity.

This Saturday, January 24, the event will welcome residents at Thurgood Marshall Middle School (4909 Brinkley Road, Camp Springs, MD 20748) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. sharp. In anticipation of worsening weather conditions, doors will close promptly at 1:30 p.m., allowing volunteers and families to travel home safely before the storm intensifies.

Inside the familiar halls of the middle school, a bustling operation brings kindness to life. Volunteers will hand out bags filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, prepared meals, and pantry staples—each bag designed to support up to five household members. For larger families or those with specific dietary needs, organizers encourage guests to “let a volunteer know you’d like to speak with Ms. Mel,” who ensures no one leaves without the support they need.

Whether you're a family needing groceries ahead of the storm or a community member looking to lend a hand, this initiative is a tangible reminder that in District 8, solidarity isn’t seasonal—it’s the standing forecast.

Powering Through Together: Pepco’s Storm Preparation Tips

While volunteers are feeding families, Pepco—the region’s primary electricity provider—has been busy feeding resilience into the local grid. In a statement issued as part of National Preparedness Month, Pepco emphasized the importance of readiness and resilience during severe weather, especially as winter storms test local infrastructure.

Thanks to ongoing modernization investments, Pepco customers in the District of Columbia and Maryland have experienced a 57% decrease in outages over the last decade. Smart technology enhancements, such as automated “reclosers” that isolate damage and restore power faster, prevented approximately 54,000 potential outages this summer alone. Those same systems will now help limit storm-related disruptions as snow and ice weigh on power lines.

Still, preparation at home is key. Pepco offers several vital safety and readiness tips for customers:

Stay Connected: Download the Pepco mobile app for real-time updates, outage reports, and estimated restoration times. Customers can also text “Add Outage” to 48710 to receive alerts.
Update Contact Information: Ensure Pepco has your correct phone number and email at pepco.com under My Alerts & Notifications.
Assemble an Emergency Kit: Include flashlights, fresh batteries, necessary medications, water, and non-perishable food that can last at least 72 hours.
Report Outages Safely: Easily report outages via the Pepco app, on pepco.com, or by calling 1-877-737-2662.
Downed Power Lines: Always assume any downed wire is energized. Keep your distance and call 1-877-737-2662 immediately.

“We invest millions each year to strengthen our energy grid,” Pepco representatives explained. “But community readiness is a partnership—the more people plan ahead, the quicker we can work together to recover.”

Snowplows and Community Collaboration

Prince George’s County public works teams are likewise ramping up preparations to keep major routes clear and accessible. The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) has announced that more than 220 snowplows and salt trucks will be deployed countywide starting late Friday evening, prioritizing emergency routes, bus corridors, and hospital zones before moving to secondary and neighborhood streets. Residents can track progress and plow activity in real time through the county’s SnowTracker portal at mypgcounty.gov/snow.

Officials urge residents to park vehicles in driveways or on the even side of the street to ensure plows can operate efficiently. Clearing sidewalks in front of homes—after the storm passes—remains a shared community responsibility. “The snow team is ready,” a DPW&T spokesperson said, “but public cooperation is what really keeps the county moving.”

A Weekend of Preparedness—and Presence

The upcoming snowstorm offers a powerful reminder that preparedness is not just about comfort—it’s about connection. When streets are icy and power flickers, it’s the network of people, partners, and providers who make a difference.

District 8’s Food Before Flakes ensures no family faces the storm hungry. Pepco’s grid hardening and communication tools keep lights—and hope—on across the region. Prince George’s County’s plow crews work through the night to make sure essential travel remains possible.

So as the first flakes fall across rooftops and playgrounds, take a few simple steps: charge your devices, check your flashlights, pack your emergency kit, and reach out to a neighbor who might need help. Together, Washington, D.C., and Maryland are ready—not just for the storm, but for each other.

Important Links & Numbers

Pepco Outage Reporting: pepco.com | 1-877-737-2662
Food Before Flakes: Thurgood Marshall Middle School, 4909 Brinkley Road, Camp Springs, MD
Prince George’s County Snow Updates: mypgcounty.gov/snow
Pepco App: Available on iOS and Android
Text Alerts: Text “Add Outage” to 48710