Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Update on Montgomery County Services and Activities for Thursday, February 11; Montgomery County Government Closed Except for Essential Personnel

Montgomery County Government will be closed on Thursday, except for essential personnel. 

Snow Removal Operations
Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (DOT) has increased to 1,000 the pieces of equipment they are using to plow or remove snow, and they will be clearing primary roads and emergency routes throughout the night.  

Ride On
Montgomery County’s Ride On bus service will not operate on Thursday.   For more information, go to www.RideOnBus.com.

Libraries, Recreation Centers and Liquor Stores
Libraries, recreation and community centers and liquor stores will not be open on Thursday. 

Community Use of Facilities
All activities in schools or County buildings will be cancelled on Thursday.

Solid Waste Transfer Station and Trash and Recycling Pick-Up
The County’s Solid Waste Transfer Station will be closed on Thursday.  County-provided trash and recycling collections will be cancelled Thursday.

Parking in Public Garages and Lots
Suspension of parking enforcement has been extended through Sunday in public garages and lots in downtown Silver Spring, Bethesda, Wheaton and Montgomery Hills.  Residents are urged to take advantage of this free, off-street parking so snow plows can work unhindered.  For locations of these parking facilities, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/parking.

Need for Volunteer Drivers

Volunteer drivers with four-wheel drive vehicles are needed.  To assist, please call the Volunteer Center at 240-777-2600 or email volunteer@montgomerycountymd.gov. 

Power Outages
Residents without power should call their service provider: PEPCO at 1-877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.  Residents who have been without power for several days are urged to re-report their outages.

The County continues to operate three shelters for residents without power.  For information about transportation to the shelters, call 240-777-6000.

Residents are urged to take precautions to prevent fires by unplugging appliances during a power outage until power has been restored. 

Emergencies 
For emergencies or to report “hot” or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.  To contact Montgomery County Police for non-emergencies, call 301-279-8000.

Downed Trees

To report downed trees in the public right-of-way or roadway, call 240-777-6000 or email highway@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Help Clear Fire Hydrants 
Residents can assist Fire and Rescue efforts by clearing fire hydrants of snow so they are visible, or marking them with broomsticks or flags.

Roof Safety
Homeowners should not attempt to clear snow off their roof.  Residents with flat roofs should watch for the warning signs of a potential roof collapse ,such as a sagging or cracking ceiling; popping, cracking or creaking sounds; or doors and/or windows that can no longer be opened or closed. Residents should evacuate their home if they notice any of these warning signs, and call 9-1-1 if their roof collapses. 

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Residents without power should be aware that using gas or charcoal grills, propane heaters and stoves, kerosene space heaters or generators indoors can be fatal. They are a source of carbon monoxide, which can build up indoors and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Avoid using candles or outdoor grills indoors, to prevent the risk of a fire.

Check on Welfare of Neighbors
Continue to check on neighbors, especially those who live alone, are elderly or disabled.  Anyone concerned about the safety and well-being of a neighbor should call the County’s Crisis Center 240-777-4000.

For more information, go to the County’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov.  

No comments:

Post a Comment