Gaithersburg Residents Urged to Prepare for Winter Storm

GAITHERSBURG, MD — With weather forecasts beginning to talk about a possible snowfall Friday through Sunday morning of roughly a foot, the City of Gaithersburg is urging residents to prepare now to ensure speedy snow removal.

Residents are asked to use off-street parking, if available, beginning Thursday evening. This will allow road crews to remove snow and ice more thoroughly and quickly. If you must park on the street, park close to the curb, and avoid parking in cul-de-sacs.

Mandatory removal of cars from snow emergency routes will be in effect should the Gaithersburg City Manager or Montgomery County government issue a snow emergency. Failure to comply could result in tickets or towing. Snow emergency information will be posted on the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov and will be issued via the Alert Gaithersburg emergency notification system.

SEE ALSO:

• What To Do Before Snowstorm Hits Maryland
• Snow Storm Prep: Grocery Store Survival List
• How to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing As Temps Drop

Residents are responsible for clearing all sidewalks abutting their property. This is often easier to accomplish if done during or immediately following the storm. If there is a fire hydrant on your property, please dig it out and mark it with a stake.

During storms it is best to hold your recycling materials until your next regularly scheduled pick-up day. This will help ensure that roadways are clear for snow removal crews and will help prevent your bins from being damaged.

The closing of City facilities and the cancellation of programs and events will be posted on the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

Resources:

• City of Gaithersburg: www.gaithersburgmd.gov.
• Alert Gaithersburg System: www.gaithersburgmd.gov/alerts
• Metropolitan Washington regional information: www.capitalregionupdates.gov.
• Winter preparedness tips: www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Emergency Requests/Information:

• 911 for a life-threatening emergency; this includes downed electric wires
• 301-279-8000 for police-related non-emergency calls.
• 311 (240-777-0311 from a cell phone) for questions regarding Montgomery County Government services, programs and/or issues. Online: www.MC311.com

Power Outages: Report directly to your local power company.

• PEPCO: 1-877-737-2662 www.pepco.com
• BG&E: 1-877-778-2222 www.bge.com
• Potomac Edison: 1-888-544-4877 www.firstenergycorp.com

Downed Trees:
Call 911 if live wires are involved, the tree is blocking a roadway, is on a structure, or someone is trapped.

Downed trees on public roads and property:

• Gaithersburg residents call the Department of Public Works 301-258-6370
• Montgomery County residents call 311 (240-777-0311 from a cell phone) or file a report at www.MC311.com