GOVERNOR O'MALLEY ADVISES RESIDENTS TO USE CAUTION AS WINTER STORM MOVES THROUGH THE REGION

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 2, 2014) – Governor O’Malley advises residents to take appropriate safety precautions as moderate to heavy snow showers make their way across Maryland in the overnight hours.

"As we are faced with another winter storm this season, we encourage all residents to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution if traveling on the roadways is necessary," said Governor Martin O’Malley. “We also encourage employers to monitor weather developments and consider employee and customer safety when making decisions about their operational status."

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has been monitoring the weather forecast and has been in touch with the four National Weather Service offices serving the State as well as local emergency management offices. MEMA and other state agencies are closely monitoring conditions to support local efforts.

“We want all Marylanders to be safe during this winter weather. Due to the timing of this storm, we would like residents to be particularly mindful during the morning commute," said MEMA Executive Director Ken Mallette. "We are encouraging Maryland residents to refrain from traveling on the roadways, if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, always keep a family member or friend informed of your route, ensure your cell phone is fully charged, and keep your gas tank at least half full."

Cold temperatures are expected to linger once the precipitation moves out of the area. The following tips will help protect Maryland residents during the periods of prolonged cold temperatures.

Wear layers of clothing that can be easily removed if you become overheated, and make sure to use socks, hats and scarves to protect feet, head and exposed skin.

Make sure your car’s radiator and windshield washer fluid tanks are full and watch for black ice when driving.

In addition to normal supplies in your car, keep some extra blankets and snacks, such as energy bars, available in case you become stranded.

Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

Consider SAFE alternative heating methods in case you lose power, or see if friends or relatives can provide a place to stay. Avoid using heaters with open flames or heating methods that produce carbon monoxide gas.

Limit the time pets stay outdoors in these conditions, including pets that normally live outside. If they must remain outside, please make sure they have a dog house or some other type of shelter available and plenty of non-frozen water to drink. (Avoid leaving blankets outside for pets to sleep on in the winter as they may become wet and icy.)

If some of your pipes are susceptible to freezing, leave a trickle of cold water running from the sink on the lowest level or your home. If possible, insulate pipes.

Tune in to your local news and radio stations for the most up-to-date information in your jurisdiction. Be sure to follow MEMA, local officials, and the National Weather Service on Facebook, Twitter, and regularly check websites for updates on school and government closings in your area.

The following links may also be of use:

MEMA: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/emergencies-WinterStorms.aspx

FEMA: http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WinterWeather/index.html

National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/index.shtml

Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm?campname=getprepared&campmedium=aspot_dis12

CHART: Interactive Mapping: http://www.chart.state.md.us/MapNet/MapDOTNET.aspx?Browser=IE7&ViewName=Select&Cmd=switchtheme&tab=VideoAndCamera&DoPanTo=False&Direction&PanFactor&DoZoomScaleFactor&x&y&Encoder&timestamp=47921&x1=0&x2=0&y2=0&y1=0&gCenterLat=null&gCenterLon=null&gZoomLvl=null

Maryland State Highway Administration -http://www.roads.maryland.gov/Home.aspx

Maryland Energy Administration: http://www.energy.maryland.gov/

Social Media links for MEMA:
https://www.facebook.com/MDMEMA
https://twitter.com/MDMEMA