WINTER
GUIDE 2015
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free, but text charges may apply, so check with your cell phone carrier
before selecting text alerts. The latest information is also available
on the County’s website.
Snow
Plow Map
Check the status of snow plows in your
neighborhood, report a missed street or report a damaged mailbox online. Or, call 311.
Ride
On S (Storm) Service Plan
When
severe weather or emergencies are expected to disrupt Ride On bus
service, Ride On may announce it will be operating under its “S” or
Storm Service Plan during weekdays only. Ride On will operate some
buses on nearly every route and try to provide trips that are evenly
spaced. However, customers should expect delays and detours. The S Plan
schedule and more information are available online in English and Spanish.
Who
Clears the Snow?
County
snow fighters begin their job as soon as snow is predicted. They
pre-treat major roads with salt brine, a solution of salt and water,
before the snow even begins to fall. Salt brine prevents ice and frost
from forming on pavement and makes snow removal easier. The use of salt
brine also reduces the amount of salt needed to treat pavement following
a snowfall.
During
the snowfall, about 1,000 lane miles of main roads are kept in “bare
pavement” condition. This ensures that, in case of an emergency, every
County resident is within one-half mile of a cleared road. As snow
accumulations reach three inches, plowing operations begin and all
attention remains focused on main roads.
Once
the snow stops falling and major roads are clear, crews turn their
attention to removing snow from more than 4,300 miles of neighborhood
streets. Their goal is to make these streets passable – not clear them
to bare pavement.
All
State-maintained, numbered roads in the County are cleared by the
Maryland State Highway Administration. Other departments, outside
agencies and governmental jurisdictions also have responsibility for
plowing. They include Transit Services, which clears the busiest bus
shelters and stops; Montgomery County Public Schools; The
Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission; the
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro); municipalities
and homeowner’s associations. Commercial parking lot owners plow their
own properties and are prohibited from moving snow into the
street.
Be
Prepared
During
winter storm season, be prepared and take the following safety
precautions.
Before
a Storm
- Ensure that you have
enough food, water, medication (if needed) and batteries to last
two to three days.
- Check portable radio,
smoke detectors and flashlights to ensure they are working and
that the batteries are fresh. Fully charge your cell phone.
- Check heating
equipment. If you use propane or fuel oil, make sure that levels
are near full.
- Have a snow shovel
ready.
- Run necessary errands.
Don't wait until the storm strikes.
- Ensure that your
vehicle is properly winterized and that snow tires and/or chains
are ready. Also, keep a blanket, snow shovel, sand or kitty litter
and flares in the vehicle. Fill the gas tank.
- Park cars off-road,
especially on narrow streets, to help snow plow operators safely
clear streets from curb-to-curb. Where off-road parking is not
available, work with neighbors to park cars on one side of the
street.
- Don't park on snow
emergency routes during a declared snow emergency or your car may
be towed. Major roads must be kept clear for emergency vehicles.
Snow emergency routes are designated by red and white signs.
- Check with neighbors
who may require special assistance to see if they need help in
stocking up on supplies or medications, and call them during the
storm.
During
a Storm
- Stay indoors. Only
travel when absolutely necessary. Give snow plows a chance to
clear the roads. If travel conditions become difficult, seek
refuge and remain there until the storm has passed.
- If you must go out,
leave your car at home and take transit.
- When going outside,
ensure that you have proper clothing to protect you from the
elements. A heavy coat, gloves, boots and a hat are a must.
- If driving during the
storm is unavoidable, put together a supply kit for the car that
includes a flashlight with extra
batteries, flares, blankets or sleeping bags, dry
clothing, snacks and water, a small shovel, jumper
cables, first aid kit and necessary medications.
- Use extra caution on
the road by leaving at least 10 feet between you and other
vehicles.
- Residents concerned
about the safety and well-being of children, elderly individuals
or adults with disabilities should call the County’s Crisis Center
at 240-777-4000.
After
a Storm
- Remove snow and ice
from doors, decks and gutters. If heavy snow accumulates on roofs
do not attempt to use a ladder or climb onto the roof to remove
it. Call a contractor instead.
- Watch for downed power
lines. If lines are down, do not touch wires or anything that the
wires are touching. Contact your local utility. If wires are
sparking, call 911.
- Try to give snow plow
operators a chance to remove snow or ice off highways and residential
streets before venturing out.
- If snow has covered
fire hydrants, help to remove it so firefighters can easily locate
them in the event of an emergency.
Safety
Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers
Pedestrians
- Walk safely by obeying
all traffic signs and signals.
- Be aware that cars may
not be able to stop as quickly on snow and ice. Do NOT walk in the
roadway and watch for icy and slick spots.
- Do not assume vehicles
can see you. Wear reflective clothing.
- Wear shoes or boots
with non-slip soles.
Drivers
- Stay alert for
pedestrians walking in the roadways, especially when visibility is
low.
- Drive slowly! Stopping
distances increase in poor weather conditions.
- Be especially alert for
pedestrians at intersections where snow mounds may limit sight
lines.
Who Clears
Sidewalks of Snow?
Property owners are required
by law to clear sidewalks in front of, and alongside, their properties
within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm. Help keep our communities
and neighbors safe by doing your part. If your neighbor is elderly or
disabled, you can assist them by clearing their sidewalks and checking
on them during storms.
Snow Shoveling Tips
- Dress appropriately for
winter weather. Ears, hands and feet need extra protection in
frigid temperatures.
- Shovel as the snow
falls, if you can. That way, there is less to remove. It’s also
easier to remove fresh snow that has not hardened or turned to
ice.
- Put less pressure on
your back. Lift with legs bent to avoid injury and try pushing the
snow instead of lifting it.
- Pace yourself and take
it slow. Shoveling can raise blood pressure and heart rate
dramatically.
- Don't work to the point
of exhaustion. Take it easy and take breaks. If you run out of
breath or feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.
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