Annapolis Snowfall Guide: Street Plowing, Shoveling, Who To Call

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Well, that escalated quickly. What weather forecasters predicted would only be a slight chance for a few snowflakes on Saturday morning has turned into a forecast of up to four inches for Anne Arundel County and a winter weather advisory for much of the state. Here's what you need to know about snow removal if Annapolis does receive a few inches of snow.

SEE ALSO: Anne Arundel Schools Make Decision On Saturday Activities

Who oversees snow responses in Annapolis?

A Snow Emergency is declared when hazardous street conditions are created by snow, sleet or freezing rain. A Phase I Snow Emergency may be proclaimed by the Director of Public Works in consultation with the Chief of Police when the local forecast projects up to 4 inches of snow.

• Annapolis Public Works Department coordinates and performs snow removal from city right-of-way and city owned and leased facilities (except Recreation and Parks Department and Fire Department facilities).
• Recreation and Parks Department, after completion of snow removal responsibilities at their facilities, will provide snow removal assistance when requested by Public Works during a Snow Emergency.
• Fire Department is responsible for snow removal at their facilities for Phase I and II Snow Emergencies (forecasts of up to 8 inches of snow).

What Are Snow Emergency Routes?

During a Snow Emergency the priorities are early clearing of the arterial and collector streets, high employment centers, schools, transit routes, and health and emergency services.

• Snow Emergency Routes are the first priority for salting and plowing. Snow Emergency Routes are the city’s arterial and collector streets, and are marked with signs.
• Snow Connector Routes are the second priority for salting and plowing. Snow Connector Routes correspond with Annapolis City Public School bus routes and Annapolis Department of Transportation bus routes.
• All other routes, including side streets, dead-end streets and cul-de-sacs, are addressed after Snow Emergency Routes and Snow Connector Routes are passable and safe.

These documents list the cities snow emergency and snow connector routes:

• Snow Emergency Routes (PDF) first priority for clearance
• Snow Connector Routes (PDF) second priority for clearance

When Will My Street Be Plowed?

If the forecast holds, Annapolis would receive what the city calls a Phase I / Level I (1-inch to 4-inches Snowfall). That requires all vehicles on emergency snow routes to be equipped with all-season radials, snow tires or chains.

City crews expect to make the emergency snow routes passable within 12 hours of the end of the snow fall, snow connector routes will be made passable within 24 hours of the end of the snow fall, and all other routes will be made passable within 36 hours of the end of the snow fall.

Plowing equipment will enter residential streets after emergency and collector roads are completed. Streets will be passable (may not be cleared to bare pavement, may be snow packed) within 36 hours after the end of the storm.

During a Phase I Snow Emergency, vehicles operating on Snow Emergency Routes must be equipped with all-season radials, snow tires or chains.

Who clears sidewalks?

City Code Section 14.24.010 requires the abutting property owner to clear the public sidewalk of snow and ice within 3 hours after the snow or sleet has stopped. The exception is when the snow or sleet stopped falling between 3 p.m. and 6 a.m., then the snow/ice must be removed from the walk before 11 a.m.

Violation of this code requirement is subject to a $25 fine. City officials ask residents to help any neighbors who may be physically or otherwise unable to clear sidewalks. (Never use fertilizer to melt ice and snow; the nitrogen and phosphorus in fertilizer can harm your local streams, groundwater and the Chesapeake Bay, the city website says.)

How Can Residents Help?

Uncover and clear area around fire hydrants and storm drain inlets. If snow melts and rainwater can't flow away, it could cause street icing and basement flooding.

Parked cars are one of the biggest challenges for our snow crews. Please park your cars in driveways and off public streets so plows can clear as much snow as possible

If your street is posted as an Emergency Snow Route, move your car off the route when a Level 2 or 3 emergency is declared. Park in your driveway if you have one. If you have no off-street parking available, the city may provide complimentary parking at city-owned lots during a Snow Emergency.

What tips should I observe while shoveling?

• Shovel early and often. Newly fallen snow is lighter than heavily packed or partially melted snow. It is also important to keep a path to your door in case you need to leave in an emergency.
• Push the snow instead of lifting it. Keep the shovel close to your body, and space your hands to increase leverage. If you must lift snow, lift properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs; do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it.
• Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This action requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion.
• Don't pick up that shovel without a doctor's permission if you have a history of heart disease. If you feel tightness in the chest or dizziness, stop immediately.
• Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. Watch out for ice patches and uneven surfaces. Avoid falls by wearing shoes/boots that have slip-resistant soles.
• Snow is a powerful light reflector on sunny days. Wear sunglasses to prevent "snow blindness."
• Pace yourself. Shoveling snow is an aerobic activity, comparable to weightlifting. Take frequent breaks from the cold and the effort, and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.

How will this affect traffic?

Parking along Snow Emergency Routes is prohibited during a Snow Emergency. Violators may cause delay in Public Works’ ability to effectively perform snow removal.

Where to find snow closings and cancelations?

The Mayor’s Office will be responsible for communicating information to media outlets before, during and after any anticipated Snow Emergency. Information regarding winter weather events may be

found on the City’s website, www.annapolis.gov.

City telephone numbers:

• Mayor’s Office: 410.263.7954
• Public Information Officer: 410.263.1183
• Emergency Management Office/Emergency
• Operations Center: 410.216.9167
• City of Annapolis Call Center: 410.260.2211
• Public Works Operations Center: 410.263.7967
• Police Department: 410.268.9000
• Fire Department: 410.263.7975
• Transportation Department: 410.263.7964

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