AA County Residents Urged to Prepare for Winter Storm

With weather forecasts beginning to talk about a possible snowfall Friday through Sunday morning of roughly a foot, Anne Arundel County leaders are urging residents to prepare now to ensure speedy snow removal.

SEE ALSO:

• Snow Storm Prep: Grocery Store Survival List
• Snow Wednesday Night Before the Blizzard
• What To Do Before Snowstorm Hits Maryland
• How to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing As Temps Drop

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 home emergency equipment such as battery-operated radios, flashlights, emergency heating sources, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers all work. 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. Refill prescriptions that may run out over the next several days.

• 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.