Anne Arundel County Executive Steven R. Schuh is advising Anne Arundel County residents to prepare now for an approaching winter weather event that is expected to have a significant impact within the area.
“Snow and ice can pose serious public safety risks, and the time to make preparations is now,” said County Executive Steve Schuh. “I am asking all of citizens to take the proper precautions as this weather system approaches.”
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Watch for an area including Anne Arundel County. A Blizzard Watch is an advisory issued by the National Weather Service which means winds greater than 35 miles per hour, mixed with falling or blowing snow, and visibilities of 1⁄4 mile or less is forecast for a period of 3 hours or more. A blizzard watch is issued 12 to 48 hours before an expected blizzard event.
The latest predictions are projecting that the Baltimore Washington area could receive more than one foot of snow which can be a hazard to those who are unprepared or who do not respond prudently to storm conditions. Snowfall is expected to begin falling Friday afternoon and may continue into late Saturday. NOW is the time to prepare. Citizens can minimize their risk of injury to themselves, as well as, property damage from winter storms by taking the following precautions.
Before the Storm:
- 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.
- Ensure the proper operation of home emergency equipment such as battery-operated radios, flashlights, emergency heating sources, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. We recommend that you do not use candles in the event of a power outage.
- Make sure furnaces, wood burning stoves and fireplaces have been checked for safe operation and have had the chimneys cleaned. Always dispose of fireplace ashes in an approved metal container, do not put ashes in a plastic/paper bag or other unapproved container.
- Have a supply of non-perishable food/water 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.
- Be aware that heavier than normal snows may cause leaks and collapse weakened or small structures such as sheds or other outbuildings.
- Residents/owners should ensure that gutters and roof drains are clear to ensure the removal of water from roof areas.
- Be alert to storm WATCHES or WARNINGS issued by the National Weather Service and broadcast by local radio and television stations.
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