The Snow Emergency Plan for Carroll County has been in
effect since 6:19 a.m., Thursday, March 5, 2015…
According to the Maryland State Police at 4:30 p.m.,
Thursday, March 5, 2015: Snow Emergency Plans in Effect - Allegany; Anne
Arundel; Baltimore; Calvert; Caroline; Carroll; Cecil; Charles; Dorchester;
Frederick; Garrett; Harford; Howard; Kent; Montgomery; Prince George’s; Queen
Anne’s; Somerset; St. Mary’s; Talbot; Washington; and Worcester.
Yesterday, CNBC Morning Squawk reported that according to
NBC News, “A major system is forecast to bring freezing rain to the East Coast
after hitting the Rockies and northern Texas on Tuesday. A severe weather
watch was issued for about 47 million Americans Wednesday as the
storm threatened to dump ice and record-setting snow on Kentucky, the Ohio
Valley and southern Plains. (NBC News)
Earlier today Carroll County Maryland government announced:
Snow Closure, Thursday, March 5, 2015
Carroll County Government sent this bulletin at 03/05/2015
08:41 AM EST
Due to inclement weather Carroll County Government is now closed
for the day, Thursday, March 05, 2015.
The Resource Recovery Park (Northern Landfill) and County
Senior Centers are also closed.
Items listed on the Agenda for the Board of County
Commissioners for today will most likely be rescheduled for Tuesday, March
10th.
According to the Carroll County Maryland Health Department,
More cold weather is expected to follow the snow that we are
experiencing today. Here are some links to help you and your family stay safe.
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In a press release from Wednesday March 4, 2015, the Maryland
Emergency Management Agency said:
MARYLAND AGENCIES
PREPARE FOR NEXT WINTER STORM
GOVERNOR HOGAN
URGES RESIDENTS TO STAY OFF ROADS THURSDAY
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (March 4,
2015) — A wet mix of rain, sleet, and heavy snow
are expected across the entire State of Maryland tonight and tomorrow. The
storm is expected to begin this evening, with up to 10 inches of snow expected
in the northern, central, and western regions of the State and at least three
inches of snow predicted in parts of southern Maryland and the lower Eastern Shore.
The National Weather Service has indicated that snow could be falling at a rate
of over one inch per hour during the height of the storm Thursday.
Residents should make
preparations now and are urged to stay off the roads tomorrow, especially
during the rush-hour commutes.
“While the calendar
says spring is just around the corner, we anticipate another blast of winter,” said
Governor Larry Hogan. “I am asking that you stay inside so crews can work to
clear roadways. And remember to check on relatives, friends, and
neighbors. Helping your neighbors also helps our first responders.”
If you must travel, travelers
may obtain the latest free traffic and weather information by calling 5-1-1
from a telephone or visiting www.MD511.org
or www.traffic.md.gov.
Additionally, traffic,
weather, and power outage alerts, as well as winter preparedness information,
can be accessed on the Maryland Emergency Management Agency’s website at mema.maryland.gov. Mobile device users
can also download the free Maryland Prepares app.
MEMA and other state
agencies are preparing to assist local responders with any issues related to the
storm. MEMA has coordinated conference calls with the National Weather Service,
state agencies, local emergency management offices, and other partners to
coordinate response efforts. "Don't be lulled into a false sense of
security if snow is not falling when you wake up on Thursday," MEMA’s
Executive Director Clay Stamp said. "Heavy precipitation is expected to
begin mid-morning throughout the State and drivers will not want to be caught
out on the road during the height of the storm." After the snow begins, temperatures are
expected to stay below freezing in much of Maryland until Saturday. This could
inhibit melting and make prolonged outdoor exposure a safety concern.
In addition to staying
off the roads and monitoring the weather and power outages, residents should
take the following actions:
•
Keep
devices charged so you will have a way to follow weather forecasts and local
emergency information.
•
Be
cautious shoveling snow or ice to avoid overexertion. Take frequent breaks and
keep hydrated.
•
Be
especially careful when walking. Because of the many storms in the last few
weeks, sidewalks may be uneven with packed snow. Icing is expected in many
areas this evening.
•
If you must
travel, make sure to have car chargers, kitty litter, or sand for traction, and
extra drinks and snacks in case you get stuck in traffic.
•
Let
friends or family know of your travel route and expected arrival time.
•
Check on
friends, neighbors, and relatives, especially the elderly or vulnerable
residents who may have trouble staying warm or maneuvering on icy surfaces.
•
Be
informed, make a plan, and build a kit. Information on supplies that should be
included in your emergency kit can be found on mema.maryland.gov.
On March 4, 2015, the Maryland State Police released the
following statement:
Maryland State Police
Press Release
03/04/2015 13:36
TROOPERS PREPARE FOR
PENDING SNOW STORM
(Pikesville, MD) –
Maryland State Police, in coordination with, the State Highway Administration,
and other local agencies prepare for the approaching snow storm.
Colonel William M.
Pallozzi, Acting Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, reminds motorists
to use caution due to the possibility of hazardous driving conditions that may
arise from the pending snow storm. Colonel Pallozzi has also ordered barrack commanders
across the state to be prepared to assess road conditions in their area and to
deploy troopers as needed.
Additional troopers,
not normally assigned to road patrol, along with the State Highway
Administration’s Coordinated Highway Action Response Team, C.H.A.R.T., will
combine their efforts to assist disabled motorists as quickly as possible.
Troopers encourage
motorist to use their best judgment when driving during rush hour on Thursday
morning, when the snow is predicted to be at its heaviest. When there is a high
volume of traffic on the roads, traffic is at a standstill. If traffic is at a standstill,
snow plows are at a standstill and the roads do not get plowed.
Drivers are reminded
of road restrictions if a snow emergency plan is activated in their county. If
declared, parking is prohibited on highways and roads designated as snow
emergency routes. During snow storms, abandoned and disabled vehicles cause
major problems for snow removal and for troopers attempting to respond to emergency
incidents. Maryland State Troopers encourage those who do not have to travel
during the storm to stay off the roads. If it is necessary to travel, make sure
your vehicle is in good working order and properly equipped with mud and snow
tires or chains. It is also smart to have an emergency roadside kit in your
vehicle.
In case of power
failures, motorists are reminded of Maryland’s law concerning non-functioning
traffic lights. The law requires all drivers approaching an intersection with a
non-functioning signal to stop. Drivers may continue only after they have
yielded to any vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection. They must
remain stopped until the intersection is clear and it is safe to proceed.
The latest traffic
conditions, including road closures due to snow or ice will be available
on-line at www.511md.org or by calling 5-1-1. Road conditions and
views of the live traffic cameras are also available on the State Highway
Administration website at www.roads.maryland.gov. Citizens are urged not to call Maryland State
Police barracks simply to check on road conditions. Calls to police or 9-1-1
centers during the storm should be for emergency situations only.
Commercial vehicles
are invited to wait out the storm at one of the Maryland State Police scale
house parking lots that will be available overnight. Motorists are reminded if
they abandon their vehicles on the interstate or on state roads, their vehicle
will be towed. These vehicles need to be removed so they will not inhibit snow
removal efforts.
__________________________
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Be sure to clear the snow from the fire hydrants.
http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/02/be-sure-to-clear-snow-from-fire-hydrants.html
Kevin E. Dayhoff, Westminster Fire Department Chaplain,
February 22, 2015
During and after a snow storm, make sure that all the fire
hydrants in your neighborhood are clear of snow.
Helping to keep the snow cleared from fire hydrants is a
responsibility that we have to each other and our community. If your house, or
your neighbor’s house is on fire; the last we want is for firefighters to spend
precious time finding and clearing the nearby hydrant in order to hook-up the
fire hoses.
According to multiple sources and fire companies that have
posted similar messages:
http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/02/be-sure-to-clear-snow-from-fire-hydrants.html
… A clearly visible, accessible fire hydrant could save your
home – or even your life. If a fire hydrant is lost or buried in snow, firefighters
can lose valuable time trying to locate it when they first arrive at a fire.
You can perform a valuable public service and protect yourself, your family and
your neighbors by taking the responsibility for shoveling out and clearing any
fire hydrants near your home during and after a snowstorm. With more snow sure
to be on the way, we’d like to offer these suggestions:
Know the location of all fire hydrants in your neighborhood.
Make sure they are shoveled clear after each snowfall.
Clear away any snow and ice in the area surrounding these
fire hydrants.
Clear the snow three feet all around the hydrant so
firefighters have enough room to connect a hose.
We would also like to remind you to look out for your
elderly or handicap neighbors as well, by taking a few extra minutes to shovel
out their hydrants.
Please take some time now to save precious minutes in case
of a fire. A few scoops of snow today could make all the difference later.
And please remember not to over-exert yourself while
shoveling snow. Excessive strain from the cold and hard labor may cause heart
attacks.
Please help out elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
Be safe out there and say a prayer for our emergency
responders, police, firefighters, EMS personnel and the various local
municipal, county, and state, street and roads departments that are out there
in this mess trying to keep the roads open and safe.
