Inclement Weather Information and Winter Tips

Trash and Recycle Collection:
During inclement weather, every effort will be made to continue to provide scheduled collections. If collections are cancelled due to snow, ice, or other severe weather, pick-up will be made the following week on your scheduled day, if possible, or when road conditions permit. Call 410-313-6444 for cancellation and makeup information.

Snow Removal:
Heavy Snows: In the event of a deep snow, be sure to clear the snow away from the hydrants and storm drains. Shoveling several times every few hours is much easier on the body than shoveling once with very deep snow. Make sure to keep the ends of your downspouts cleared of ice and snow to avoid backups and ice damage. If you can reach them, clear your gutters of ice and snow. Backups can cause roof damage. Clear around the cluster mailboxes in order to ensure delivery and access by neighbors.

Snow Emergency:

• Should a snow emergency go into effect, remain indoors and identify a central room where there is an alternate heat source like a fireplace.

• Use appropriate fire safeguards, ensure proper ventilation. NEVER leave children and/ or pets alone in a room with portable heaters or open flames.

• Keep your car’s gas tank at least half-full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.

• Keep a storm safety kit with flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, canned foods, manual can opener, blankets, radio, clock and medications.

• Charge rechargeable batteries and flashlight.

• Keep cell phones, and laptops charged.

• If you live alone, identify someone with whom you have regular contact and exchange emergency contact information.

• Should you be unable to return home, identify and inform a neighbor who could care for your pets.

• Remember to check on neighbors, especially those with special needs or who live alone.

To learn more about weather preparedness visit www.ready.gov or www.howardcountymd.gov/oem.htm and/or the American Red Cross: www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.86f46a12f382290517a8f210b80f78a0/?vgnextoid=92d51a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default.

Snow Removal Progress: The following is an interactive County website that shows real time snow removal progress http://howardcountymdpublic.eroadtrack.com/. Move cars off the street when it snows. This will enable the plows to do a better job. Remember ice and snow must be removed from any county sidewalk/walking surface abutting your property within 48 hours of the end of a storm. This also applies to townhouse and condominium properties. If you notice unclear sidewalks, you can call the non-emergency police personnel at 410-313-2200.