City gets ready for the "Super Snow Bowl"

Friday, February 5, 2010 | Naseem Miller

7
D.C./Metro

D.C. Government press release:

The National Weather Service is predicting up to 24 inches of snow this weekend and crews are pre-treating streets in anticipation of the heavy snowfall.

The Mayor also declared a snow emergency will be in effect beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Friday.

The heavier snowfall is expected to occur between 5 p.m. Friday and end around 9 a.m. Saturday. All precipitation is anticipated to end by 6pm on Saturday evening.

The District will deploy approximately 270 pieces of equipment which includes nearly 60 contract plows brought in to assist with snow removal. More than 750 employees will work 12-hour shifts over the weekend. In addition, all five salt domes will be activated including locations at Potomac & R, SE; W Street, NE; Farragut, NE; Reno, NW & Georgetown, NW. Residents and motorists are advised to stay off roadways during the storm to allow crews access to streets.

In addition to travel and transportation updates, the Mayor advised citizens to be prepared for staying home and/or emergencies if there are utility disruptions during the storm. For up-to-the-minute information, check out NBC Washington. Media stations and emergency preparedness agencies are advising the following:

Car

· Put a 10-pound bag of cat litter, ice scraper, shovel, and blanket, flash light and emergency supplies in the vehicle.

· Keep gas tanks at least half full.

· Buy new windshield wiper blades and winterize your car and tires.

· Keep mobile telephones fully charged. Invest in a car charger.

· Identify alternate parking space(s), either on or off-street, particularly if your street is a Snow Emergency Route.

· If you must be on the road, drive slowly!

Home

· Make sure shovels and other snow removal equipment are in working order.

· Spread salt or non-clumping kitty litter before the snow begins. Shovel to keep walkways around your property clear of snow.

· Know your neighbors, especially those who may need your assistance or who can assist you during or after a snow emergency. Use the time before a snow storm to develop a volunteer list to assist neighbors who are unable to shovel.

· Stock up on batteries for flashlights, radios, battery-powered computer games, toys, lamps and lanterns and blankets.

· Compile a list of family members’ medications, as well as phone numbers for doctors, pharmacies and emergency rooms.

· Stay warm but stay safe. Have alternative heat sources and plenty of blankets on hand in case of a power outage, but be sure to monitor space heaters and keep them away from curtains, tots and pets. Cover the windows and spaces around the doors to keep drafts at a minimum.

Other Home Items

· Extra food. Consider some foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration.

· Bottled water.

· First-aid supplies.

· Backup heating supply, such as a generator, fireplace or space heater.

· Charge your cell phone.

· Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and flashlights.

· Make sure your gas tank is full.

· Make sure the account information on file with your electric utility is correct. Have the number to your utility handy, should the power go out.