Anne Arundel Snowfall Guide: Street Plowing, Clearing Sidewalks

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Well, that escalated quickly. What weather forecasters predicted would only be a slight chance for a few snowflakes on Saturday morning has turned into a forecast of up to four inches for Anne Arundel County and a winter weather advisory for much of the state. Here's what you need to know about snow removal if Annapolis does receive a few inches of snow.

SEE ALSO: Anne Arundel Schools Make Decision On Saturday Activities

Who oversees snow responses in Anne Arundel County?

The Department of Public Works is responsible for clearing county-maintained roads. Annapolis City clears its own streets, as does Fort Meade, the Naval Academy, and private communities. The State Highway Administration is responsible for clearing state routes and interstates.

When snowfall is 6 inches or less, the county's Department of Public Works will first tackle main and collector roads with continuous plowing. Thru lanes will be plowed to bare pavement up to 24 hours after the end of the storm.

Residential Streets: Plowing equipment will enter the residential streets after the main and collector roads are completed. Streets will be passable, but not cleared to bare pavement, up to 36 hours after the end of the storm.

When Will Roads Be Plowed?

Roadways should be completed within 24-36 hours after the end of the storm. In order to meet these published levels of service, county forces are supplemented with about 150 pieces of contractor-owned snow removal equipment. This contractor fleet is on retainer with Anne Arundel County and is available for any winter operation. However, during a declared blizzard emergency, Anne Arundel County forces, even supplemented by contractor forces, may not meet expected levels of service.

During significant storms (over 4 inches of accumulation), the Department Operations Center is activated. It is staffed around the clock to coordinate county-wide snow removal operations and can activate its own Call Center to assist in answering citizen concerns if call volumes dictate.

All-weather tires are a must. If a county snowplow driver determines that your street meets the definition of passable, no further service will be provided. For more information regarding our service levels during inclement weather, view the county's Travel Guide.

How Can Residents Help?

• Call 911 for a bona fide emergency such as a need for police, fire or ambulance service. For scheduled health related medical attention (dialysis, oxygen, etc.), call the Office of Emergency Management at (410) 222-0600. This office also provides transportation of essential medical personnel.
• Be patient. Plowing operations start with main and collector roads, problem intersections, and steep hills and severe curves in communities. Crews then continue on to the remaining residential streets.
• Park your vehicles in your driveway if at all possible. On-street parking is one of the biggest challenges snowplow drivers face. If snowplow drivers feel they cannot safely access a street, no service will be provided. If off-street parking is not available, it is strongly recommended that you park your vehicles on one side of the road to ensure accessibility for our snowplows. This is especially important on hills, dead-ends, and cul-de-sacs.
• Caution your children to stay clear of snow removal equipment.
• Know that Anne Arundel County only plows County-owned roads. We do not have a program for plowing State roads, private roads or parking areas in private communities. Any road with a route number is the responsibility of the State Highway Administration. Contact them at (410) 841-1002.
• Volunteer for the Snow Patrol to assist the elderly and disabled citizens of Anne Arundel County by contacting the Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel at 410-897-9207. For more information about the Snow Patrol, visit their web site at www.aacvc.org.
• Make sure trash and recycling containers are visible. Don't leave your empty trash can, recycling bins, or other obstacles in the street.

Who clears sidewalks?

Clear your sidewalk of any snow accumulation. Snow removal on sidewalks, driveways, and entrances is the responsibility of the homeowner. In many instances, these sidewalks are used by children as school walking routes.

Don't place snow from sidewalks or driveways in the street. Placing snow in the street could contribute to a greater amount of snow being pushed toward your property as the plow passes by.

The county does not remove snow from sidewalks, concentrating instead on making the roads
safe. Snow and ice removal from sidewalks is the responsibility of each property owner.

What tips should I observe while shoveling?

• Shovel early and often. Newly fallen snow is lighter than heavily packed or partially melted snow. It is also important to keep a path to your door in case you need to leave in an emergency.
• Push the snow instead of lifting it. Keep the shovel close to your body, and space your hands to increase leverage. If you must lift snow, lift properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs; do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it.
• Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This action requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion.
• Don't pick up that shovel without a doctor's permission if you have a history of heart disease. If you feel tightness in the chest or dizziness, stop immediately.
• Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. Watch out for ice patches and uneven surfaces. Avoid falls by wearing shoes/boots that have slip-resistant soles.
• Snow is a powerful light reflector on sunny days. Wear sunglasses to prevent "snow blindness."
• Pace yourself. Shoveling snow is an aerobic activity, comparable to weightlifting. Take frequent breaks from the cold and the effort, and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.

Where to find road conditions?
You can call 511 or visit www.md511.org to learn about road conditions in any area of the state.

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