Refresher: Snow Emergency Procedures in Annapolis

There is snow in the forecast for Annapolis and given that it's been a while since there was more than a dusting in the area, Patch offers a refresher on snow emergency procedures.

Who to Contact
When city offices are closed, Annapolis residents may use the Public Works 24-hour emergency number at 410-224-2140.

Click here to see snow resources provided by the city of Annapolis, including information about snow plans, sidewalk clearing, parking and curbside pickup.

If you live outside the city of Annapolis, you can address specific questions on winter storm preparedness to the Anne Arundel County Emergency Management Bureau at 410-222-8040. For updates from Anne Arundel County government, check their website.

Any school delays or scheduling updates will be posted on the Anne Arundel County Public Schools website and distributed to the media as well as sent to parents through email and phone calls.

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) customers may report power outages from mobile phones and devices through the company’s new mobile website at bge.com or by calling 877-778-2222.

Precautionary Actions
Anne Arundel County officials advise residents to take precautionary actions and obtain emergency supplies before the storm conditions begin. In a press release on Monday from the fire department, they recommend residents:

• Have vehicles properly winterized and equipped with snow tires or chains. Carry a “survival kit” in your vehicle consisting of blankets, candles, matches, non-perishable foods, drinking water, protective clothing, sand (or other traction material) and a shovel. Eliminate all non-essential travel during storms. Maintain a full tank of gas if travel during adverse weather is absolutely necessary.

• Check for the proper operation of home emergency equipment such as battery-operated radios, flashlights, emergency heating sources, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.  Have furnaces, wood burning stoves and fireplaces checked for safe operation and have chimneys cleaned. Always dispose of fireplace ashes in an approved metal container, not in a plastic or paper bag or a container that has not been approved.

• Store some non-perishable foods for use in emergencies and keep an adequate supply of medications and baby supplies on hand, if needed.

• Plan precautions to prevent water pipes from freezing during periods of intense cold, such as proper insulation of pipes or draining water from exposed pipes. As a last resort, maintain minimum water flow to prevent freezing.

• Never run gas operated equipment such has generators inside a structure. Even a garage with the door open may not be adequately ventilated

• Wear proper clothing for weather conditions. Several layers of loose fitting, warm clothing is better than one thick garment. Wear hats and mittens or gloves when exposed to the cold.

• Pace physical activity such as snow shoveling or pushing cars. Regardless of age or physical condition, avoid over-exertion. Elderly persons should be cautious in attempting snow removal.

In addition, the Fire Marshal Division reminds all commercial and business property owners that they are responsible for clearing snow to ensure that exit doors open and there is a clear path of travel.

A minimum 3-foot space must also be provided on all sides of fire hydrants.

TELL US: Do you have any tips to share for dealing with snow? Leave a comment to let us know.

Patch will provide updates to this article.