Mayor Rawlings-Blake Announces City’s Efforts
to Prepare for More Winter Weather

BALTIMORE, MD. (February 4, 2010) – Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake provided residents with an update on Baltimore City ’s snow preparations. The Department of Transportation’s snow removal effort will include more than 300 essential personnel, 120 fully-functional pieces of equipment and 10,800 tons of salt. City crews are continuing to remove large snow piles and continuing snow melting operations.

“While I’m praying for no snow, I want to assure the citizens of Baltimore that we are working diligently to prepare for the next snow storm,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “The City’s snow truck fleet can take a licking and keep ticking, thanks to the hard work of our mechanics at the central garage.”

Forecasters are predicting between one to five inches accumulation of wet snow and slush. The Baltimore City Snow Team, which includes the Departments of Transportation, Recreation and Parks, Public Works and the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management, coordinates all preparations for winter weather in the city. Working out of the Transportation Management Center , the Snow Team will monitor the storm as it approaches the region and issue warnings and alerts as necessary.

Mayor Rawlings-Blake urged all residents to listen to radio and television for updates. Those interested in additional information and throughout this weather event can visit www.396snow.com or call the city’s snow line at 410-396-SNOW.

Residents are asked to refrain from driving during inclement winter weather unless necessary. Those who must drive are asked to clear their vehicles of all snow and ice for the safety of themselves, other motorists and pedestrians. During a snow emergency, the Department of Transportation will advise the public on road conditions and regulations through its Snow Emergency Plan phases.

Residents will be better prepared following an emergency if they prepare a home emergency supply kit containing a portable radio, a flashlight with extra batteries, and water (one gallon per person, per day for three days), food and necessary medicines. Residents can visit www.readysetgood.org for more information on emergency preparedness.

In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency situations, 3-1-1 should be utilized for questions and assistance.

“Please be sure to check in on your elderly or disabled neighbors and offer assistance,” added Mayor Rawlings-Blake.

Mike Hilliard - Director, Community Relations
HARBEL Community Organization
5807 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214
Web Site: www.harbel.org
Phone: 410-444-2100, FAX: 410-426-1140