(Washington, DC) Mayor Adrian M. Fenty along with District Department of Transportation Director Gabe Klein and Department of Public Works Director William O. Howland Jr. provided updates and information for residents, visitors and commuters today on the pending snow storm. The National Weather Forecast is predicting up to a possible 24 inches of snow this weekend and crews already are pre-treating streets in anticipation of the first snow flake. The Mayor also declared a snow emergency will be in effect beginning at 9:30 am on Friday.

“The District is extremely proud of the men and women who have been working tirelessly throughout this unusual winter and they are ready to put it on the line again,” said Mayor Fenty. “We want to do all we can to clear city streets as soon as possible and as such are declaring a snow emergency for the city. This allows our crews to get curb-to-curb on the major corridors, which is paramount to ultimately getting the city back to regular business on Monday.”

A snow emergency means that motorists may not park vehicles along corridors designated as snow emergency routes which are posted with red and white “Snow Emergency Route” signs. Illegally parked vehicles are subject to a $250 fine and additional fees for towing and storage at an impoundment lot. To locate a towed vehicle, call (202) 727-5000. For a listing of fees and a map of the snow emergency routes, visit the DDOT web site at ddot.dc.gov.

The District has identified parking spaces at the DC USA retail center located at the corner of 14th Street and Park Road in northwest for some residents who are unable to find on-street parking. The entrance and exit gates will be lifted at 10 pm on Friday evening and people may park their cars in the lot for free throughout the weekend. The entrance arm will drop again at 5 am on Monday morning. All vehicles must be moved out of the lot by noon on Monday in order to avoid any charges.

District crews pre-treated the National Highway System, bridges, overpasses, hilly routes, and major routes with salt and brine. A full deployment will be in effect beginning at 8am Friday so crews can put down a layer of salt before the snow begins to fall. Plows will go down as soon as snow accumulation begins.

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

• 270 pieces of snow removal equipment which includes over 60 contract plows
• 750 personnel working the storm over the weekend
• 5 salt domes open and in use
• Snow emergency in effect for the District at 7:30 am Friday
• Taxi cabs may charge 25 percent more during a snow emergency (Rate button #3 on the meter automatically adds the surcharge)

The District will deploy approximately 270 pieces of equipment which includes nearly 60 contract plows brought in to assist with snow removal. Over 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.

“Snow accumulation for Friday rush is expected,” said DDOT Director Klein. “People should look to adjust their departure times, take transit instead of driving on Friday, and give themselves plenty of time to arrive home. No one should be in a rush.” Klein also addressed concerns with regard to heavy snow accumulations on tree branches and limbs. “Residents are reminded to call 311 to report downed limbs, branches, and trees. Please remember for most calls, our crews will not be able to get out until after the storm system has passed so please be patient.”

Residents are again reminded to clear sidewalks and walkways periodically throughout the storm. This will allow for faster clearing and accessibility to pedestrian areas as the system moves out.

“After the last big storm in December we saw a lot of people walking in the streets which is unsafe,” said DPW Director Howland. “This is dangerous for pedestrians and our crews who will be out in full force clearing streets. If the sidewalks are clear, people can stay on them.”

Important messages and safety tips are as follows:

• Allow plenty of drive time if driving is the only alternative
• Telecommute if at all possible
• Take transit instead of driving (Note that Metro will suspend above ground service if accumulations are 8” or higher)
• If driving, check vehicle prior to leaving
• Drive with caution
• Go slowly, do not rush other drivers
• Stay far back from plows and snow equipment
• Do not pass snow plows
• Property owners have 8 hours after end of storm to clear sidewalks
• Assist elderly and disabled neighbors
• Remove all snow from vehicle including tops
• Trash/recycling efforts will be affected.
• Monitor media announcements for road conditions prior to getting on the roads
• Once a snow emergency is declared vehicles parked on snow emergency routes must be moved to
  alternate locations so crews can effectively clear snow from the roads
• Residents are asked to park as close to curbs as possible, especially on narrow streets
• Residents and pedestrians need to stay off city streets during and after the storm so crews can safely work to clear the roadways
• Call the Mayor’s Call Center at 311 for non life-threatening situations and service requests including downed trees, branches, and limbs
• Allow snow and tree crews ample time after the storm has finished to clear city streets and respond to requests (24 hours)
• Following the storm, immediately clear snow around fire hydrants and catch basins. Also, clear around drains on private property to allow proper drainage of water
• Snow should not be shoveled into the sidewalk or street. Put snow in the tree boxes.

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. Media stations and emergency preparedness agencies are advising the following:

Driving

• Stay off the roads if possible during and immediately following the storm.
• Give the snow plows plenty of room to do their jobs.
• Have a designated driver. It’s Super Bowl weekend, so be safe.
• Keep a taxicab company’s number nearby, just in case.

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.
• 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.

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!