Anne Arundel Snowstorm: Track Plowing, Schools Closed, Shoveling

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The National Weather Service predicts the Annapolis area will receive 4 to 6 inches of snow plus sleet by Wednesday night, so city officials are asking residents to get their vehicles off emergency snow routes. City parking garages will be open at no charge after 7 p.m. Tuesday so residents can snowplows do their jobs.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 20. All schools and offices will be closed, the district said, while a Code Red is in effect for employees. Unit III personnel must report to their work locations as required by their negotiated agreement.

Anne Arundel County government has declared liberal leave policy in effect for Wednesday. The county will operate under normal business hours but county employees may use liberal (unscheduled) leave.

Information about snow removal efforts and what residents can expect is available on the county’s Snow Information webpage: http://www.aacounty.org/snow

Annapolis residents, especially those parked on snow emergency routes, are asked to move their vehicles to the city garages Tuesday night, since parked cars on area streets are the biggest challenge for snow crews. City parking garages are open, free of charge, for Annapolis City residents. Park your vehicles in driveways so plows can clear as much snow as possible, or consider going to one of these parking garages:

• Noah Hillman Parking Garage – 150 Gorman Street
• Gotts Court Parking Garage – 25 Northwest Street
• Knighton Parking Garage – 1A Colonial Avenue
• Park Place - 5 Park Place

For plowing information, visit the City’s Public Work’s Snow Information page online. This page will have information on Snow Emergency Routes, Snow Connector Routes and the City’s Snow Plan.

Both the city of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County will activate their emergency offices early Wednesday morning to coordinate responses.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for Anne Arundel County and much of Maryland. The warning will run from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. With forecasters calling for up to 6 inches of heavy snow across the Baltimore-Washington region, winter storm warnings have been issued, and roads may become snow-covered and dangerous. In fact, the governor and state highway crews are urging people to avoid traveling during Wednesday's snowfall because of the rate at which it is expected to hit.

"Extremely heavy snow is expected to impact much of the state tomorrow, and we urge Marylanders to start preparing now," Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "Our crews will be treating the roads around the clock, but it is critical for our citizens to use good judgment and avoid travel if possible."

Snow in the morning will mix with and change to sleet and freezing rain by early afternoon, then rain Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service.

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Track Anne Arundel Snowplows

Anne Arundel County snowplows are now trackable during snowstorms. The county's Department of Public Works recently launched a tracking system that allows residents to track snow and ice removal efforts online. All county and contractor snow removal vehicles are equipped with an automated vehicle location system that will be monitored by county officials during weather events at https://511portal.com/annearundel.

The tracking system will automatically determine and transmit the location of snow removal vehicles. Anne Arundel County has more than 250 contracted plow trucks supplementing 74 county plows available for snow or ice events. Public works officials use the new system to monitor road conditions and to review data on the effectiveness of their plowing strategy during challenging weather conditions. The information will be posted to the public tracking progress of roads plowed.

The Department of Public Works will staff its storm center, which residents may call at 410-222-4040 for county road snow removal questions, or may make a “Snow Level of Service Inquiry” at www.aacounty.org/snow. A request for service may be made by telephone or online if the county has not met a published level of service for your type of street.

For help with county-maintained roads and storm drains, contact District Road Operations at:

• Northern District: (410) 222-6120
• Central District: (410) 222-7940
• Southern District: (410) 222-1933

Maintenance of roads that include highway number is the responsibility of the State Highway Administration. For issues about a state road contact the State Highway Administration at 410-841-1002.

Anne Arundel County will activate the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 5 a.m. For information about other non-emergency matters, contact the EOC at 410-222-0600.

Severe Weather Animal Alert

In accordance with the law, when the county executive declares a severe weather animal emergency, dogs left outside unattended must be provided with fresh, non-frozen water, and warm and dry outdoor shelter out of the wind.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in civil citation with fines ranging from $125 to $1,000, removal of the animal, and/or criminal prosecution depending on the conditions found, such as abuse or neglect of an animal by leaving dogs outside and unattended by use of restraints.

If you see an animal left outside that appears to be in danger, call Animal Control immediately at (410) 222-8900.

Warming Centers Open

The Anne Arundel County Police will designate District Station Community Rooms at four precincts as warming centers from 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, until 10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20:

• Northern District: 939 Hammonds Lane, Baltimore
• Eastern District: 204 Pasadena Rd, Pasadena
• Western District: 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton
• Southern District: 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater

All centers are accessible and have water and restroom facilities. Medical care is not available and anyone experiencing or observing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1.

The Stanton Center, located at 92 W. Washington St. in Annapolis, will open Feb. 19 and 20 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. as an overnight warming center. Referrals should report to the Stanton Center by 9 p.m. to check in. For questions about the Stanton Center, call the Office of Emergency Management at 410-216-9167.

City Of Annapolis Services, Storm Response

Annapolis Emergency Operations Center Activation: The Annapolis Office of Emergency Management is monitoring the storm and the EOC will activate on Wednesday, February 20, at 7 a.m. The Annapolis Call Center will also be activated to take non-emergency inquiries from the public. Annapolis residents can call 410-260-2211for more information regarding road conditions or any non-emergency, snow-related questions.

Public Works and Transit: At this time, Wednesday’s regularly scheduled yard waste and bulk trash collection currently is still scheduled. The City’s Transit schedule also is currently on schedule.

Recreation and Parks: The "Pip" Moyer Recreation Center will follow weather emergency plans issued by the City of Annapolis. For example, if the City is closed for snow, then the Annapolis Recreation and Parks facilities are closed. If there is a delayed opening or an early closing issued by the City, the facilities will also follow that schedule. For further information, please visit the Department's Cancellations and Inclement Weather page.

Who oversees snow responses in Annapolis?

The Annapolis Emergency Operations Call Center is open and available to take non-emergency phone calls for example (the plowing of roads, electrical outages etc). The phone number to the call center for Annapolis City residents is 410-260-2211, for Anne Arundel County residents, call 410-222-0600. The purpose of the non-emergency call center is to lessen the impact on the 9-1-1 system. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.

The Annapolis Office of Emergency Management has a Special Assistance Roster for individuals who have special needs and may need immediate assistance during storms. To register for special assistance roster call the Office of Emergency Management at 410-216-9167. Keep an eye out for those in your neighborhood who may be elderly, disabled or who may need special assistance.

Residents are asked to stay off the roads while plow crews work to ensure the safety of the roads. If you must go out slow down and give way to plow trucks. We also urge all not to park along snow emergency routes, those routes can be found by going to www.annapolis.gov For more information visit www.annapolis.gov. Follow the Annapolis Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management via social media for the latest updates. Don't forget to download the Prepare Annapolis app from your app or google play store for the latest safety update.

A Snow Emergency is declared when hazardous street conditions are created by snow, sleet or freezing rain. A Phase I Snow Emergency may be proclaimed by the Director of Public Works in consultation with the Chief of Police when the local forecast projects up to 4 inches of snow.

• Annapolis Public Works Department coordinates and performs snow removal from city right-of-way and city owned and leased facilities (except Recreation and Parks Department and Fire Department facilities).
• Recreation and Parks Department, after completion of snow removal responsibilities at their facilities, will provide snow removal assistance when requested by Public Works during a Snow Emergency.
• Fire Department is responsible for snow removal at their facilities for Phase I and II Snow Emergencies (forecasts of up to 8 inches of snow).

What Are Snow Emergency Routes?

During a Snow Emergency the priorities are early clearing of the arterial and collector streets, high employment centers, schools, transit routes, and health and emergency services.
• Snow Emergency Routes are the first priority for salting and plowing. Snow Emergency Routes are the city's arterial and collector streets, and are marked with signs.
• Snow Connector Routes are the second priority for salting and plowing. Snow Connector Routes correspond with Annapolis City Public School bus routes and Annapolis Department of Transportation bus routes.
• All other routes, including side streets, dead-end streets and cul-de-sacs, are addressed after Snow Emergency Routes and Snow Connector Routes are passable and safe.

These documents list the cities snow emergency and snow connector routes:

• Snow Emergency Routes (PDF) first priority for clearance
• Snow Connector Routes (PDF) second priority for clearance

When Will My Street Be Plowed?

Vehicular parking is banned on emergency snow routes; in advance of a Snow Emergency, residents will be directed to move their vehicles off Snow Emergency Routes to avoid towing and impound. City crews expect to make emergency snow routes passable within 24 hours of the end of the snow fall; Snow Connector Routes will be made passable within 36 hours of the end of the snowfall; all other routes will be made passable within 60 hours of the end of the snow fall.

Who clears sidewalks?

City Code Section 14.24.010 requires the abutting property owner to clear the public sidewalk of snow and ice within 3 hours after the snow or sleet has stopped. The exception is when the snow or sleet stopped falling between 3 p.m. and 6 a.m., then the snow/ice must be removed from the walk before 11 a.m.

Violation of this code requirement is subject to a $25 fine. City officials ask residents to help any neighbors who may be physically or otherwise unable to clear sidewalks. (Never use fertilizer to melt ice and snow; the nitrogen and phosphorus in fertilizer can harm your local streams, groundwater and the Chesapeake Bay, the city website says.)

Also, uncover and clear area around fire hydrants and storm drain inlets. While it helps identify hydrants for firefighters, it can also help you guard against flooding. If the snow melts and can’t flow away, it could cause street icing and basement flooding.

Be Prepared: Due to forecasted conditions and the possibility of power outages, the Office of Emergency Management urges residents to have these supplies on hand to last for three days:

• Water (one gallon, per person, per day - more if needed for cleaning, showering)
• Non-perishable food items
• Medication
• Flashlights, no candles
• Battery-powered radios
• Extra batteries
• Cash
• Blankets
• Personal Identification

Stay Informed:

• Download the “Prepare Me Annapolis” mobile app to receive important push notifications on your smartphone. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.
• Sign up for Alert Annapolis, the new Annapolis community notification system. Receive voicemails, text messages, and/or e-mails in case of emergencies and other events. Find out more at http://alertannapolis.civicready.com/
• Connect with the City on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityOfAnnapolis

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cityofannapolis

Any power outages should be reported to BGE at 1-877-778-2222. Please use caution when operating generators. Generators should be operated outdoors in an area with ample ventilation.

Tips for safe snow 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 snow closings and cancelations?

The Mayor's Office will be responsible for communicating information to media outlets before, during and after any anticipated Snow Emergency. Information regarding winter weather events may be found on the City's website, www.annapolis.gov.

City telephone numbers:

• Mayor's Office: 410.263.7954
• Public Information Officer: 410.263.1183
• Emergency Management Office/Emergency
• Operations Center: 410.216.9167
• City of Annapolis Call Center: 410.260.2211
• Public Works Operations Center: 410.263.7967
• Police Department: 410.268.9000
• Fire Department: 410.263.7975
• Transportation Department: 410.263.7964

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