MEMA Advises Maryland Residents to Prepare Now

Weather Conditions Could Potentially Affect Afternoon Commute

REISTERSTOWN, MD (February 09, 2011) – The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is urging Marylanders to prepare now for weather conditions that could affect their commute home this afternoon. A winter weather advisory has been issued for Maryland which includes parts of the state seeing the possibility of light snow or rain. The timing of the storm suggests it could impact the afternoon drive home for many of our Maryland residents.

Similar past weather events have shown us how important it is to be prepared for winter storms,” said MEMA Executive Director Richard Muth. “This is especially true if the storms hits during times of heavy traffic.”

When storms hit during periods of peak traffic, it is very difficult for snow removal crews to keep roads free of snow and ice. That can lead to accidents and stalled vehicles, and the resulting backups then delay the response of snow removal crews and first responders and create long delays for travelers.

Residents are urged to make sure they have plenty of gas before winter travel, and also should keep a winter supply kit in their vehicle, with blankets, bottled water, snacks, a portable snow shovel and kitty litter or sand (to help with tire traction), in addition to a standard auto safety kit that includes jumper cables, flares or reflective devices and a small first aid kit. Make sure all lights and wipers are in good working order and that tires (all-season radials or snow tires) have plenty of tread.

If at all possible, try to avoid travelling during periods of heavy snow so snow removal crews have a clear path. If at work, ask your employer if you may shelter in place until conditions improve, or perhaps have dinner at a location near work. If at home, determine if you can wait to leave until conditions improve.

For more information on winter preparedness, please visitwww.mema.state.md.us, click on Be Prepared and then the link for Winter Storms. Other information is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.ready.gov .Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information!  Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit:www.md511.org  for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law restricts hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

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For more information contact Ed McDonough at 410-446-3333 or Edward Hopkins at 410-422-7561