OCEAN CITY PUBLIC SAFETY WEATHER ADVISORY FOR UPCOMING WINTER WEATHER STORM

From February 5 to February 7, 2010, Ocean City Police handled 226 calls for service; 41 calls were directly related to issues resulting from the weekend storm. Ocean City public safety officials wish to commend residents and visitors for their cooperation and patience during the weekend weather event. As a result there were no serious or life-threatening issues during this storm.

OC public safety officials are advising citizens that Ocean City will begin to experience a mix of winter weather projected to begin Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 9), as rain and sleet, which will continue throughout the evening. The rain will turn to sleet and snow Wednesday morning and is expected to continue snowing until Wednesday evening. Accumulations could total between 4 and 6 inches. The Ocean City Public Works Department has been fully mobilized and will be plowing and salting Ocean City streets. Ocean City officials ask citizens and motorists to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for several days after the conclusion of this storm. This will increase the likelihood of icing to occur on Ocean City roads. Before operating motor vehicles, citizens should ensure their windows and mirrors have been cleared of ice and snow. Citizens should use caution when driving, reduce speed, and maintain adequate distance between their vehicle and other vehicles on the road. Ensure everyone in the vehicle you are operating is wearing their seat belts. Maryland law specifically requires that children under the
age of 8 years old weighing less than 65 pounds use a child-safety seat. For children who do not require child-safety seats and are under the age of 13 years, it is recommended the child be positioned in the rear seat of the vehicle. Maryland law requires anyone under the age of 16 years old to be restrained by a seat belt.

During this next weather event, OC Police and Fire Department personnel will actively patrol the town. If you need emergency assistance, call Ocean City Communications Center at 410-723-6600. If your phone service is not operating, police and fire department personnel will be operating four-wheel-drive vehicles and can be flagged down.