I want to take a
moment to address everyone regarding the impending snow storm this weekend. As
it stands right now, it looks like the Maryland area is in for a direct hit.
Below is a link to the latest weather.com report. It indicates the potential for snow that will be
measurable in feet. If this is the case, there are a few safety tips that
I would like to point out, as well as some websites to view for additional
information.
Please remember that these types of storms are dangerous, and
have the potential to be tragic….so please stay vigilant. Aside from my job as a Community Association Manager for Tidewater Property Management, I am a Firefighter/Medic with the
fire department in Baltimore County. Although most likely I will be deployed, I will keep the Tidewater vendors and Boards updated with information as it becomes
available. Please
note, I will be in constant communication with our vendors responsible for
snow removal. If this turns out to be a big storm, we
respectively ask our
clients to be patient because it is
going to take some time to clear. Rest assured that
our Tidewater crews will be working
around the clock to make sure sidewalks and roadways are clear. Also note that
once the government declares a state of emergency, only emergency vehicles,
State Highway, and essential personnel will be allowed on Maryland Roadways.
How to Prepare for a
Winter Storm
- Winterize
your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel
line from freezing.
- Insulate
your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic
from the inside to keep cold air out.
- Maintain
heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every
year.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
- If
the power goes out, close off unused rooms to consolidate and retain heat. Wear
layered clothing and use blankets or sleeping bags to stay warm. Bring
pets inside.
Put Together a Supply Kit
- Water—at
least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
- Food—at
least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered
Radio
- Extra
batteries
- First aid
kit
- Medications
(7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries,
glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
- Multi-purpose
tool
- Sanitation
and personal hygiene items
- Copies of
personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information,
proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates,
insurance policies)
- Cell phone
with chargers
- Family and
emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Baby
supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Pet
supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Tools/supplies
for securing your home
- Sand, rock
salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery
- Warm
coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing
for all household members
- Ample
alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning
stoves
NEVER use generators, outdoor heating or cooking
equipment, such as a grill, camp stove, or a gasoline or propane heater,
indoors.
NEVER heat a home with a stove.
If driving is absolutely necessary, keep disaster
supplies in your vehicle, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped, and use
extra precaution on the roads.
If you do not have adequate supplies to
stay warm in your home and you can get there safely, you may want to go to a
shelter.
For additional information, please visit the following
websites:
