Massive Snow Storm Leaves Over a Foot of Snow in the County

COLUMBIA, MD - A significant snow storm has left over a foot of snow in the County. Some areas have actually had closer to two feet of snow (Columbia is reported to have had 23 inches).

Howard County Fire & Rescue upstaffed apparatus, as well as utilizing station utility trucks (4x4 pickup trucks usually used for errands) to assit with mitigating emergencies. These utility trucks were essential in gaining prompt access to situations where regular fire apparatus could not fit due to snow.

While firefighters responded to a great deal of motor vehicle crashes, none were serious; most were vehicles that had been disabled by the volume of snow. Vehicles that had been checked by firefighters were marked with yellow fire line tape. Citizens are asked to look for the yellow fire lane tape; if they see this tape, then the situation has already been handled. As such, there is no need for 9-1-1 to be contacted again unless circumstances have changed.




Citizens are also asked to assist firefighters by digging out their local fire hydrants (or, as the case may be, cisterns or underground tanks) when they shovel their driveway and/or sidewalk. This small investment of time will assist firefighters by saving time in the event of a fire.

Howard County's Bureau of Highways offers the following tips:

The Bureau of Highways reminds drivers not to park on streets, especially on a cul-de-sac as that makes snow removal nearly impossible for highway crews. Vehicles should be parked in driveways. This allows police officers, firefighters, and paramedics to respond quickly to public safety tasks while driving in treacherous conditions and leads to quick and complete clearing of the roads. Residents may also want to delay shoveling driveway aprons and sidewalks until the street has been completely cleared. Otherwise, it is very likely a full blade of snow will slide off the plow onto the driveway.

Citizens were also encouraged to stay off the roads, as snow conditions were extremely heavy. Snow often accumulated shortly after being plowed.