MARYLANDERS URGED TO CONTINUE TO STAY OFF ROADS TO HELP
PLOWING CREWS, PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES
MEMA CONTINUES TO COORDINATE RESOURCES, ASSIST LOCAL
JURISDICTIONS
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (January 23, 2016) — Snow continues to
fall throughout Maryland and wind gusts have picked up in some areas of the
state. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency urges residents to stay off the
roads so highway crews can continue plowing operations.
As of noon, power outage numbers remained relatively low in
Maryland, with less than 1,500 customers without power statewide after spiking
to approximately 10,000 early Saturday morning. However, as strong winds and
heavy snowfall continues, residents are urged to keep cell phones, tablets and
other devices charged and be prepared for possible extended power outages.
“I want to thank Marylanders for the common sense they have
shown thus far,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I want to urge people to continue
to stay off of the roads unless travel is absolutely essential. It is still
very dangerous out there and stalled and abandoned vehicles make it that much
harder for snow plow operators. Your safety is our top priority.”
If you must drive, please stay far back from snow plows.
While it may be inconvenient to be stuck behind a snow plow or a multi-unit
snowplow “train,” trying to pass is dangerous and the roads in front of the
plows will be snow covered.
The strong winds also could create some coastal flooding
issues along the Atlantic coast and portions of the lower Chesapeake Bay.
Residents are urged to follow trusted local weather forecasters to get updates
on conditions in their area.
“I cannot stress enough the need to check on the welfare of
relatives, friends and neighbors who are vulnerable,” said MEMA Executive
Director Russ Strickland. “We still have at least 12 hours of storm conditions
ahead of us. The best way to get through this is if we all work together and
communicate.”
MEMA continues to coordinate the use of State resources in
support of local emergency managers and first responders across the state. The
Maryland National Guard is working in many counties in Maryland to help law
enforcement and emergency medical personnel to respond in high-clearance
vehicles.
In addition to staying off the roads and monitoring the
weather and power outages, residents should take the following actions:
Keep devices charged so you will have a way to follow weather
forecasts and local emergency information and be able to contact family and
friends.
Be cautious shoveling snow or ice to avoid overexertion.
Take frequent breaks and keep hydrated.
Avoid travel. If you must drive, make sure to have car
chargers, kitty litter, or sand for traction, and extra drinks and snacks in
case you get stuck in traffic. Let friends or family know of your travel route
and expected arrival time.
Check on friends, neighbors, and relatives, especially the
elderly or vulnerable residents who may have trouble staying warm or
maneuvering on icy surfaces.
Residents living near coastal areas should be prepared to
experience moderate coastal flooding and waves due to the high wind.
Make sure pets are not exposed to the severe weather. Also
remember that salt and other deicing materials can irritate their paws.
MEMA will be regularly updating their website with winter
preparedness information, traffic, weather, and power outage alerts. Residents
can find all of this information at mema.maryland.gov. You can also follow MEMA
on Twitter @MDMEMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MDMEMA.