Winter Weather Precipitation - Prince George's County Prepares for First Potential Snow Fall 2016

For immediate release:
1/20/2016 5:00:00 PM

For more information, contact:
Rhonda D. Jackson - Division Manager, Public Information Officer - Prince George's County Office of Emergency Management - 301-324-4333

Landover, MD – The National Weather Service predicts that a high impact winter storm will affect Prince George’s County and the surrounding National Capital Region beginning Friday mid-day and lasting through Sunday.  Heaviest precipitation is expected Friday evening through Saturday evening with a mixture of snow and sleet.  All snow is expected to begin Saturday night and end Sunday. Temperatures will remain below freezing throughout the weekend. Residents are reminded to take precautionary measures for heavy snow, high winds, wind chill and coastal flooding. 

“The Prince George’s County government is prepared for our first major winter weather event of the season,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III.  “I want to thank all essential County personnel in advance for their hard work and service during this possible significant weather event.  I am also asking citizens to stay off the roads as much as possible and to consistently pay attention to news reports, sign up for our County’s emergency text alerts and visit princegeorgescountymd.gov for the latest updates and information.  Most importantly, I ask all residents to please look out for neighbors, family, and friends – especially the elderly and individuals with access and functional needs.”

As frigid temperatures continue over the next few days, The Prince George’s County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds citizens and residents to protect themselves during dangerous road conditions and winter forecasts.  By taking a few precautionary measures, you could limit your exposure to the cold and help protect you and your family.  Pet owners should also take extra time to ensure that their pets stay warm, healthy and safe. If possible, bring your pets indoors and limit their exposure to winter elements.

OEM in collaboration with the Prince George’s County Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission reminds residents without heat to utilize one of the local Warming Centers in your community.  (Please call the center to obtain specific hours of operation). Also, any unsheltered residents seeking assistance during the late evening and night hours, are encouraged to call 211 or the homeless hotline at 1-888-731-0999. Counselors will be available to assist with the Prince George's County's Hypothermia "Warm Nights" program.

Here are a few tips to help keep your family safe as we prepare for winter weather:   
Around your Home

• Get your “Emergency Preparedness Kits” available with essential items: food, water, flashlights, batteries, etc.). 
• Have rock salt to melt ice on walkways, sidewalks and driveways.
• Winterize your home (insulation, caulking, plastic).
• Check heating fuel sources. 
• Have an adequate supply of warm clothing and blankets.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage. (Open the doors only when necessary and close quickly).
• Keep fire extinguishers in your home at all times and make sure everyone knows how to use them. 
• In case of high winds, secure or bring inside exterior items that might become windborne.
• Avoid the usage of candles when fueling kerosene heaters or lanterns. (The candle flame can ignite fumes from the fuel).
• Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.  

Proper Clothing
Dress for winter weather and remember to pay attention to both the actual temperature and the wind chill factor. Sometimes the actual temperature may not seem that cold, but the wind chill can make what appear to be bearable temperatures dangerously cold.

• Dress in layers, wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate you.
• Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded.
• Wear a hat, scarf and gloves/mittens to protect your head, face and hands.
• Stay dry and out of the wind. (Wet clothes chill the body rapidly)
• Wear water-resistant coat and shoes.
• Be sure that your outer layer of clothing is tightly woven to reduce body-heat loss.
• Do not ignore shivering. It's an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.

Preparing and Winterizing your Vehicle
As the weather changes, remember to perform routine maintenance and stock your vehicle with a preparedness kit.    

• Check brakes, batteries and ignition systems.
• Ensure that your heater and defrost work properly
• Check oil, antifreeze levels and all fluids.
• Test windshield wipers
• Check lights and flashing hazards
• Consider snow tires or chains
• Maintain a full tank of gas
• Your Vehicle Preparedness Kit should include:
• Blankets
• Flashlights (batteries)
• First-aid Kit
• Extra clothing
• Non - perishable foods/water
• Shovel/sand
• Jumper cables, tow rope, tools
• Trash bags, paper towels

Traveling
Traveling in your vehicle during winter storms can be dangerous. If traveling is necessary, be prepared for emergencies and always have your fully charged mobile phone with you.

• Ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained, equipped with a full tank of gas and emergency supplies such as blankets, food, extra clothing and a first aid kit.
• Monitor roadways and weather conditions before your trip by listening to travel radio stations or by dialing 511 for information about traffic or roadways in Maryland.
• Allow extra travel time and drive defensively (Precipitation on roadways may present additional challenges).
• Monitor your speed and consider taking a slower approach during inclement weather or heavy traffic.
• Remember to slow down or move over for public safety vehicles and emergency equipment.
• Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary.  Treat these vehicles as you would emergency response vehicles.
• If you become stranded:  
• Wrap/Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers and raise the hood of the car.
• Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing/blankets
• Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let air in.
• As you sit, keep your arms and legs moving to improve circulation and avoid frostbite.
• Huddle with passengers to help keep warm.
• When using public transportation, remember to dress in layers and insulate your body temperature.
• Check the transportation schedule to ensure timely operations.
• If you experience a delayed schedule, continue light physical activity to help stay warm.

Residents are also reminded to stay informed by signing up for Alert Prince George’s to receive updates regarding weather conditions. We will also keep citizens informed through usage of our Office of Emergency Management Facebook, and Twitter account. Residents are also encouraged to monitor local weather and media sources.  Remember to call 911 only in cases of emergency and utilize Prince George’s County’s CountyClick 311 system to obtain information about public services. 

Important Utility Numbers include:

• Pepco: 1-877-737-2662
• Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E): 1-877-778-2222 or 1-800-685-0123
• SMECO: 1-877-747-6326 or 1-888-440-3311
• Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520
• Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC): 1-800-828-4002

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