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As we know, winter in the Baltimore region can be harsh., However there are many things residents can do to make the season less problematic. When the snow and ice arrive, please follow these tips to make sure you, your family and your home remain safe.
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Severe weather always has the potential to interrupt power to our water pumping stations. Always keep on hand a three day supply of bottled water; one gallon per person per day.
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Trash and recycling collections may be canceled if weather conditions warrant. Check our website,
publicworks.baltimorecity.gov
, follow us on Facebook (Baltimore City Department of Public Works), Twitter (@BaltimoreDPW), and stay tuned to local media for updates on changes to regularly scheduled pickups and collection locations and other DPW notifications.
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If your curbside trash/recycling pickup coincides with plowing activities, make sure your trash can and recycling bin are well behind the curb so the plow will not hit them.
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Always sweep your up your alleys, sidewalks and gutters before a storm to keep trash from entering our storm drains. It is also important to clear the snow from the storm drain inlet near your home or business. Blocked drains can lead to flooding as snow melts.
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Observe the City's snow emergency parking restrictions, and please read each sign carefully as they may differ in times. This not only ensures more effective plowing but also helps you avoid a citation.
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Clear snow from around fire hydrants near your home/business to make them visible for our firefighters.
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Stay at least 100 feet back from trucks that are plowing or spreading sand/salt. Plow trucks often have to back up several times and may not be able to see you in their rear view mirrors.
Protect Your Pipes
Pipes and utility meters can freeze when the temperature remains below 25 degrees for extended periods of time. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works offers the following tips to help protect water lines during periods of cold weather:
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Let a thin stream of cold water run from a basement faucet. The stream should be a continuous flow, about the thickness of a pencil lead. This water can be caught in a bucket and used later as laundry or dish water.
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If your pipe is frozen, gently warm it with hot air from a blow dryer at the point where it enters your house.
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Be sure you know the location of the water shutoff valve in your home. Check it periodically to ensure it works properly.
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Be sure to shut off water to outside faucets.
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Periodically monitor your sump pump. A frozen drain pipe could result in a flooded basement.
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Insulate pipes in unheated parts of your house. Be especially alert if you have had frozen pipes in the past.
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Keep bottled water on hand.
The Department of Public Works maintains outdoor water lines up to and including the meter. Water lines running from the meter to the house, as well as internal plumbing, are the responsibility of the property owner. For water emergencies in Baltimore City, please call 311. In our Baltimore County service area, please call 410-396-5352.
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