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Greetings!
Winter weather is here! As we prepare for the approaching winter storm, read below for helpful safety tips and reminders.
Common Salting Mistakes
As you’re salting driveways and sidewalks, remember that over application of salt during winter weather is wasteful and contaminates our waterways and drinking water. Excess salt runs off of driveways and sidewalks and into streams. These streams feed into drinking water reservoirs and groundwater wells in our region. Unfortunately, salt is not removed at water treatment plants and increased sodium levels in drinking water can be a health concern for many.
To help prevent these issues, sweep or shovel first and determine if the afternoon sun can melt the rest naturally. Only put salt on ice, not on bare pavement, grass, or on top of snow. Salt will not be effective below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not salt before the storm. This prevents runoff in case of rain and avoids waste if there is no storm at all. If salt is necessary, apply only enough for salt granules to be three inches apart (sprinkle it with your fingers, not by handfuls). Extra salt will not melt ice faster. When possible, use alternatives that provide traction such as sand, native bird seed, chicken grit, kitty litter, crushed dried plant material, etc. (and be sure to sweep up after the ice melts so these don't wash away into the stream).
Snow Removal Operations
To make it easier for DPW’s plows to move quickly and safely through our neighborhoods, please remember to move your vehicles off the street and cul-de-sacs before a snow event begins. Vehicles should be parked in driveways when possible! This also helps ensure emergency vehicles can travel down residential streets.
The County's Department of Public Works is responsible for servicing all County roadways and does so by first prioritizing roads necessary for maintaining critical services, then secondary roads, and finally residential roads. If you are concerned that DPW has not yet plowed your street, please remember that they must follow their operations procedures and ensure the safety of crews. In a snowstorm of six to twelve inches, the County’s goal is to have the entire County Road system cleared within 12 to 18 hours after the storm ends. Learn more by visiting DPW's Snow Removal Website. County snow removal operations can be tracked by checking the Plow Tracker online.
The State Highway Administration is responsible for snow removal on State roads such as Route 1, 175, 32, and Interstate 95. To monitor the status of State plows, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration website.
Remembers to shovel your sidewalks! The County is not responsible for snow removal on sidewalks – homeowners and property owners must clear all sidewalks on their property. When shoveling, make sure to take frequent breaks, dress appropriately for the cold, and stay hydrated.
Potential Power Outages
If you experience a power outage, report the outage to BGE via the mobile app, BGE Website, text at 69243, or call 877-778-2222.
During outages, BGE prioritizes restoration first to public safety buildings and essential services. Then, they move on to restoring power to areas where the greatest number of customers can have power as quickly and safely as possible. During cases of extended power outages, consideration is also given to customers who have been without service for the longest time.
The County will also be operating warming centers. A full list of warming centers can be found on the Howard County Health Department Website. The following warming centers will be open in District 3:
- North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel
- East Columbia Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
- Savage Library, 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel
Grassroots Crisis Intervention will also be operating. If a State of Emergency is declared, the Day Resource Program at 10390 Guilford Road, Suite A in Jessup, will not open. If a State of Emergency is not declared, the Leola Dorsey Center at 10390 Guilford Road, Suite A in Jessup, will open if the parking lots and connecting sidewalks are plowed and adequate Grassroots staffing and volunteers are available. The Grassroots Emergency Shelter at 6700 Freetown Road in Columbia, will be staffed and operating as usual (24/7); this is where Code Blue overnight sheltering is happening. If you are or know of anyone who is stranded, call Grassroots’ hotline at 410-531-6677.
Additional Information & Tips
For real time updates about snow removal operations, curbside collections, and County operating status, please visit the Howard County Government Facebook Page.
County curbside trash, recycling, and food scraps/yard trim collections for Monday, January 26th are cancelled. As a result, the County's Bureau of Environmental Services’ inclement weather “slide” schedule will be in effect for the remainder of the week, pending no further cancellations. To learn more about inclement weather "slide" schedule, visit the Bureau's Website.
With general concerns about trees, drainage, etc., report them to Tell HoCo.
Moving forward, the operating status of schools, government buildings, and hospitals can be monitored online.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. To ensure we can respond promptly, please email crigby@howardcountymd.gov or use our online contact form.
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