Monday, December 21, 2009

Officials Ask Residents and Businesses to Assist Disabled and Elderly in Removing Sidewalk Snow

Montgomery County officials ask residents and business owners to assist disabled and elderly residents who may need help in clearing snow and ice from their sidewalks. County law requires all residential and commercial property owners to clear their public sidewalks 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, as well as assisting those who may not be physically able to do so.

For more information or the latest snow-related updates, go to the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/snow. Montgomery County's Highway Services, Department of Transportation, continues to staff its Call Center to respond to residents’ road-related questions and concerns at 240-777-6000.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Watch Out for Pedestrians!

Montgomery County officials are urging drivers to be especially alert for pedestrians walking in the roads because of snow-covered sidewalks. Drivers should also be cautious when pulling out of side streets onto main roads.

Pedestrians should:

• Be careful crossing the street.
• Wear appropriate shoes and brightly colored clothing while walking in snowy or icy conditions.
• Be cautious of slippery crosswalks and sidewalks.
• Be aware that drivers may have difficulty maneuvering or stopping their vehicles.
• Wear reflective clothing or stickers for maximum protection, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Make sure vehicles are stopped and that they are seen by drivers before proceeding in front of them.

Some other safety tips for residents who are clearing snow and Ice are:

• Slippery driveways and sidewalks can be hazardous. Keep them well shoveled and apply abrasive materials to improve traction.
• When shoveling snow, avoid overexertion. Take frequent breaks.
• If snow has covered fire hydrants, shovel it away so firefighters can easily locate them in the event of an emergency.

Montgomery County law requires that all residential and commercial property owners clear their public sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.

For more information or the latest snow-related updates, go to the County's website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov. Montgomery County’s Highway Maintenance Section, Department of Transportation, continues to staff its Call Center to respond to residents’ road-related questions and concerns at 240-777-6000.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Snow Emergency Declared for Montgomery County

Maryland State Police declared a Snow Emergency for Montgomery County, and County officials are urging residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. The snow emergency means that cars parked in designated snow emergency routes will be towed, and fire officials are asking residents to help identify and clear fire hydrants in their neighborhoods.

County snow removal crews are concentrating their efforts on more than 4,000 lane miles of County-maintained residential roadways and nearly 1,000 lane miles of primary/arterial roadways, with particular emphasis on maintaining access to the County’s five hospitals. Officials also report that all County facilities are closed on Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20, including public schools, libraries and recreation centers. In addition, all events and activities scheduled to be held in public facilities on both days have been canceled.

As part of the snow emergency declaration, residents are asked to move vehicles parked in snow emergency routes. Vehicles not moved will be towed. Under this declaration, vehicles on the road must have all-weather or snow tires or chains, and taxi cabs operating in Montgomery County are allowed to charge $1.00 extra per trip.

Citizens in need of police or fire emergency services should contact 911. Non-emergency calls should be directed to 301-279-8000. Residents in need of shelter services or in crisis should contact the County’s Crisis Center at 240-777-4000. For more information about the County’s snow removal operations, call the Division of Highway Services at 240-777-6000 or go to http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hwytmpl.asp?url=/content/dot/highway/snowplow.asp .