Montgomery County Winter Storm: What To Do Before Snow Flies

ROCKVILLE, MD — If you were trapped in traffic gridlock Wednesday night when only an inch of snow hit the ground, then you know how crazy things will get if Montgomery County gets the foot of snow forecast for the weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch, effective Friday afternoon to Saturday night, for much of Maryland. Weather officials say a wintry mix is slated to start Friday evening, and it will transition to heavy snow and strong winds overnight into Saturday.

SEE ALSO:

• Snow Storm Prep: Grocery Store Survival List
• Snow Wednesday Night Before the Blizzard
• What To Do Before Snowstorm Hits Maryland
• How to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing As Temps Drop
• ‘Stay Off The Highways’ This Weekend: MD State Police

Emergency officials say there are three things you need to do to get ready for the coming winter storm:

1. Sign up for Alert Montgomery.

2. Keep these Phone Numbers handy.

• Police/Fire/Ambulance: 911
• Police Non-emergency: 301-279-8000
• County Information & Service: 311

3. Make an Emergency Kit.

Include the following items in your emergency kit:

• Water - One gallon per person per day for at least three days
• Food - A three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Can Opener - Manual hand-cranking
• Radio - Battery-powered or hand-cranking
• Flashlight - With extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Medication - A three-day supply
• Toiletries - For personal hygiene
• Copies of Important Documents - Insurance policies, identification, and bank accouns in a waterproof container
• Other Items (Depending on the Household) - Infant formula and diapers, extra clothing, books or games for children

Clearing Sidewalks

Property owners are responsible for clearing public sidewalks on or adjacent to their property within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm. All residents are strongly encouraged to be good neighbors by clearing the sidewalks in front of their homes.

Residents who wish to report an unshoveled sidewalk can call 311 (240-777-0311 for outside county). Reports must include an exact address so the ounty can contact the property owner.

Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/snow for more information

Important Utility Numbers include:

• PEPCO: 1-877-737-2662
• Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E): 1-877-778-2222 or 1-800-685-0123
• SMECO: 1-877-747-6326 or 1-888-440-3311
• Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520
• Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC): 1-800-828-4002
• First Energy/Potomac Edison: 1-888-544-4877