DPW Takes Steps to Prepare for Major Storm Expected to Reach Baltimore Region

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DPW Wet Weather Preparedness Bulletin                           Oct. 28 , 2021


DPW Prepares for Major Storm Expected to Reach Baltimore Region

Today, the Department of Public Works (DPW) Storm Maintenance Crews are actively checking for debris around City storm drain inlets and cleaning debris out of the inlets, if needed, before expected heavy rains reach the Baltimore area. 

The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington has issued a weather forecast for flooding from heavy rainfall, tidal/coastal flooding, and very gusty winds, starting this Friday, Oct. 29, and into Saturday, Oct. 30.

DPW is prepared for the upcoming storm event and has seven crews (two vacuum trucks and five hand crews) on standby to respond in an emergency. Storm preparation coverage  started today with pre-cleaning and will continue into tomorrow with DPW crews responding to concerns about flooding conditions.


Keep Storm Drains Clear, Bag and Secure Debris

DPW crews act early to clear storm drains before expected strong winds and heavy rains arrive. If you are able to clear storm drains around your property of debris, please do so to prevent flooding. 

Leaves can become a source of storm inlet blockage. Sweeping leaves and trash from sidewalks, alleys and gutters will keep this material out of the drains. Please do not park on top of storm inlets.

Trash and loose debris should be secured at all times. Loose material can enter and clog storm drains, leading to flooding. Please secure large items such as trash cans and lawn furniture.

Be aware of possible rising water along streams and in low-lying areas. Blocked storm drains may increase the potential for flooding at these locations.

If you experience a basement backup of sewage, please call 311 to report it immediately.

Storm Drain Cleaning Graphic

Flood Preparedness Tips

Flood Preparedness

Flood  Know how to turn off your home's electricity, gas and water graphic

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Sandbags and Garage Parking  Available to Baltimore City residents

Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) and the Parking Authority of Baltimore City (PABC) announced today that sandbags and garage parking will be available for Baltimore City residents in preparation for possible flooding.

With the threat of tidal flooding in low-lying areas, the BCDOT will have limited quantities of sandbags available for City residents on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the following locations:

  • Fell’s Point – Intersection of Thames and Caroline Streets
  • Frederick Avenue – Still Meadow Church located at 5110 Frederick Avenue
  • Cherry Hill – 2601 Spellman Road

 

DOT Press Release

 

 


Who's Eligible for the SOS Cleanup Program?

SOS Brochure

DPW’s SOS Program is a cleaning program offered FREE to owners, residents and tenants of property located in Baltimore City impacted by a sewage backup caused by a capacity-related wet weather event.

What is a capacity-related wet weather event?
A capacity-related wet weather event occurs when the sewer system is unable to handle the volume of sewage flowing when at least ¼ inch of precipitation is recorded within a 24-hour period.

Stormwater flooding or sewage backups caused by dry weather events (i.e., grease or debris clogs, root intrusion) are NOT covered by DPW's SOS Cleanup Program.

DPW will not be the service provider for the SOS Cleanup Program. DPW will contact the third-party vendor and schedule appointments for approved residents. Residents will not receive a bill from the vendor for this service.

For more information visit the DPW website:https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/soscleanup.


Expedited Reimbursement Program for Sewage Backups

Image for Sewage Reimbursement Program Brochure

DPW also administers the Expedited Reimbursement Program for sewage backups caused by capacity-related wet weather events. The program offers up to $5,000 per dwelling unit, per event for reasonable, documented clean-up, disinfection and disposal services costs.

Who's Eligible?

  • The Expedited Reimbursement Program is available for sewage damage caused by a capacity-related wet weather event. A capacity-related wet weather event occurs when at least ¼ inch of precipitation is recorded within a 24-hour period that causes the sewer lines to surcharge or overflow.
  • You must be a City residential customer (i.e., homeowner or tenant).
  • Sewage backup events prior to April 6, 2018, are not eligible.

Resources & Tools
Expedited Reimbursement Brochure
Expedited Reimbursement Application
Understanding, Preventing Sewage Backups
Handling Sewage Backups

Stormwater flooding or sewage backups caused by dry weather events (i.e., grease or debris clogs, root intrusion) are NOT covered by DPW's Expedited Reimbursement Program for Sewage Backups or SOS Program,