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Handle The Snow Like A Pro
January 22, 2016
Before the first snowfall
- Talk with your neighbors. Find out who can help shovel and who needs help, who has a shovel and who needs one. Exchange contact information: name, phone number(s), email, Twitter, Facebook.
- Gather snow shoveling resources (shovels, salt, sand)
- Identify a safe and legal location to pile snow
- Avoid precarious over-exertion
If there is a life threatening emergency call 911.
Potential Power Outages
Heavy wet snow and high winds can bring tree limbs into contact with power lines and topple trees causing power outages. Here’s what to do in case of power outages or down wires:
- Immediately report power outages and a downed wire by calling 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662).
- Stay clear of working crews and any wires hanging loose from poles or lying on the ground. You should always assume that downed wires are energized and avoid them.
What to know in DC
The District Snow Team is ready for this storm, and will be prepping the streets to alleviate dangerous conditions. Once the snow starts to fall the plows will be out, so if you want to track the plows’ progress, you can do so here.
Don’t forget to shovel! Commercial and residential property owners must clear the snow from the sidewalks in front of their property within the first 8 hours of daylight after the snowfall ends.
Currently, there is no snow emergency in DC, but if a snow emergency is declared make sure you do not park on streets designated as snow emergency routes.
Visit the District Snow Team’s website for more helpful information. Sign up for AlertDC to get emergency information sent straight to your phone.
What to know in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for snow removal on most roads. When the snow starts, you can track the status of plowing in your neighborhood here.
Don’t forget to shovel! Businesses and residents are responsible for clearing the sidewalks in front of their property.
Visit your county’s and city’s websites for helpful information. Arlington here. Fairfax here. Alexandria here. Prince William here. Stafford here. Loudoun here. Frederick here. Clarke here.
What to know in Maryland
Want to know the snow plow status in Maryland? Click here for plow routes in Montgomery County and here for Prince George’s County.
Visit Prince George’s and Montgomery County’s website for important updates, helpful information and to sign up for safety alerts.
