Are you ready?

A Blizzard Watch goes into effect Friday afternoon through Saturday night with the potential for 18 to 24 inches of snow in Carroll County and the surrounding area.

In addition to the bread, milk and toilet paper, here's a list, courtesy of the National Weather Service, of other ways you should be prepared for the storm:

Heating fuel: refuel before you are empty; fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm
Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove or space heater, properly ventilated to prevent a fire
Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm; test smoke alarms once a month to ensure they work properly
Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets
Review generator safety. You should NEVER run a generator in an enclosed space.
Home fires are common each winter when trying to stay warm. Review ways to keep your home and loved ones safe.
Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information
Extra food and water such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and other food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
Extra prescription medicine
Baby items such as diapers and formula
First-aid supplies

Here's a list of things to consider having in your vehicles:

Mobile phone, charger, batteries
Blankets/sleeping bags
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid kit
Knife
High-calorie, non-perishable food
Extra clothing to keep dry
Large empty can to use as emergency toilet, tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
Shovel
Windshield scraper and brush
Tool kit
Tow rope
Battery booster cables
Water container
Candle and matches to provide light and in an emergency, lifesaving heat.
Compass and road maps, don't depend on mobile devices with limited battery life

Sykesville firefighters and EMS personnel will have extra crews staffing the station throughout the weekend to respond to whatever may arise from the storm. Be safe, and let's NOT meet by accident!