From Harford County Public Schools:
Harford County Public Schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, Monday, March 3, 2014. Code Green. Essential Personnel should await further directions for reporting time.
From Harford County government:
Winter Storm Warning
Good Morning, this is Emergency Manager Rick Ayers with an emergency message. Harford County has been placed under a Winter Storm Warning by the NWS effective at 7 PM. Later this afternoon we will start to see rain from this storm system and then a transition to a wintery mix in the late evening, before turning to all snow overnight. The highest intensity of snow will occur between 4 AM and 2 PM Monday and we could expect between 8 to 12 inches of snow. A very cold air mass will also move into the area and temperatures Monday night will be close to 0. This cold air mass will remain in place through at least mid week. As a reminder from our DPW crews, please do not park on streets if at all possible; however, if you have to please mark on the even number side of the street. Thanks and be Safe.
From the Maryland State Highway Administration:
MARCH IS COMING IN LIKE A LION AND THE STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION IS READY TO RESPOND
Complex Storm Poised to Strike Maryland Sunday Night into Monday; Dangerous Driving Conditions Expected for Monday Morning Commute
(March 2, 2014) – As the saying goes, March is coming in like a lion with a messy winter storm Sunday night and most of Monday. To tame the proverbial lion, or at least reduce the roar, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is carefully monitoring the forecast and is ready to respond to keep roads passable and safe. SHA reminds travelers to monitor weather forecasts for the possibility of ice and snow and be prepared to alter travel plans.
“Travel conditions could be hazardous Sunday evening and much of Monday during the storm. Crews work to reduce the impact of the weather conditions but it is not until it stops snowing that they can make headway and clear travel lanes,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “We ask motorists to monitor forecasts closely and potentially delay travel to provide SHA crews the space necessary to treat the roads.”
The latest forecasts are calling for snow totals that will exceed six inches in much of Maryland, so professional truck drivers are reminded to use the resources available at 511 and seek safe refuge at designated park and ride lots. Click here for a list of lots available for Emergency Truck Parking. Additionally, SHA will position large heavy duty tow trucks in strategic areas along the interstate system for rapid response.
If travel is unavoidable, drivers should not get in the way of plows – maintain a safe distance behind the trucks – “Don’t Crowd the Plow.” Additionally, speed limits are posted for fair weather conditions so drivers are expected to reduce speed in inclement weather. Other important reminders for those who must drive – take a charged mobile device to call for help if you become stranded, an ice scraper and shovel and be sure the windshield washer fluid is filled. Before even venturing out, clear your vehicle completely to see and be seen.
Plan your route in advance by using the “511 Traveler Information” system. Know Before You Go! Dial 511 from a land line or mobile phone for traffic, weather alerts and road conditions. For internet access, visit www.MD511.org.
From Baltimore Gas and Electric:
BALTIMORE (March 2, 2014) — Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) continues to closely monitor an impending winter storm, forecasted to bring freezing rain, high wind and wind gusts and a possible five to twelve inches of dry snow to BGE’s central Maryland service area Sunday evening through Monday. The company has begun the process of preparing employees, including support and field personnel. Coupled with wind gusts, freezing rain can cover trees and tree limbs, electric delivery equipment and power lines, and cause power outages. BGE reminds its customers to take the time now to make preparations for their families and homes.
“By taking steps to prepare our field crews and support staff in advance of tonight’s forecasted winter storm, BGE will be in a position to begin restoring service as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Carol Dodson, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. “Customers should prepare for the possibility of extended power outages in the event that freezing rain causes treacherous road conditions, which may delay crew travel and restoration times.
The safety of BGE’s customers and employees is always the company’s top priority. Customers are reminded to stay away from downed power lines and report both outages and downed lines at 1.877.778.2222. Customers may also report power outages from mobile phones and devices through the company’s mobile website at bge.com. An enhanced power outage map is also available through the mobile and full websites, and provides the general location and status of current electric power outages in BGE’s service area. Customers can view affected area(s), the number of customers affected by an outage, estimated time of restoration if available, and the status of the field crew assigned to repair the issue.
Customers with special needs, such as those who may be elderly, disabled or dependent on electricity for medical equipment, should have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage.
Customers using a generator or space heater should follow manufacturer instructions and be sure to locate generators in well-ventilated areas. Any customers using generators or portable heaters should carefully follow all safety instructions from the manufacturer. Improper use of this equipment or other appliances can result in potential deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, fire or other dangerous conditions.
BGE encourages its customers and employees to proactively prepare for severe weather and the possibility of power outages and to take steps to ensure the safety of their families and property during service interruptions by taking the following steps:
–Staying informed – Be aware of changing weather conditions and plan ahead. Have a battery-powered radio with a weather band so you can hear emergency information when the power is out.
–Making a plan – Discuss and document an emergency plan with those in your care. Develop an emergency plan that includes alternative arrangements should the need arise to leave your home. Make provisions for special needs of any family member such as the elderly, disabled, medically affected or infants (Customers with Special Needs). If you are dependent on electric-powered medical equipment, you are encouraged to seek alternate arrangements in the event that your electric service is interrupted.
–Making a list of emergency phone numbers (including 877.778.2222 to report an outage or a downed wire to BGE) and keep a personal telephone book and one corded phone or a cell phone on hand. Customers are also able to report power outages from mobile phones and devices through the mobile website at bge.com.
–Maintaining an emergency supply kit – Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care. Remember supplies for children, those with special needs and pets. Keep the following items readily available:
o Flashlights – not candles
o Fresh batteries
o Battery-operated clock radio
o Corded telephone
o Fully charged cell phone
o Non-perishable foods
o Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
o First aid kit
o Local maps
o Blankets
Customers also should consider filling the fuel tanks of their vehicles in the event a power outage affects service to neighborhood gas stations. For customers who rely on well water, filling a bathtub with water in advance of severe weather is strongly encouraged.
To assure uninterrupted gas service, customers are reminded to keep outside gas meters and attached equipment clear of ice buildup and snow. Check the meter on a regular basis and gently clear away any ice buildup or snow. A broom makes a handy tool to gently clear the meter. Even though it may be tempting do not melt or chip the ice away or use a shovel to scrape it off. These methods can easily damage or break the meter. It is also important to remove icicles from the roof or gutters that hang over the meter. Dripping water can cause freezing and damage the meter or equipment. If the meter becomes encased in ice, please call BGE at 800.685.0123 for assistance.
BGE’s restoration priorities are public safety issues and critical facilities, such as 911centers, hospitals and pumping stations. Then restoration is generally scheduled so that the greatest number of customers can be restored as quickly and as safely as possible. However, in cases of extended power outages, consideration is also given to customers who have been without service for the longest.
Customers can find information on preparing for natural disasters and other emergency events at bge.com, as well as storm preparation information and restoration progress via BGE’s social media sites on Twitter and Facebook.
So what will happen with schools? I hope O’Malley declares a state of emergency to save us from making up these days. 3rd quarter is going to be a mess.
Like all years before, they’ll just get a waiver and the last day of school will be June 13th, or what ever that day is.
In my opinion, I believe Spring Break should be eliminated this year, and school run it’s course past June 13th to whatever day offsets the amount of days school’s have been closed due to winter weather.
Perhaps Saturday’s could be a consideration for school day’s to offset the amount of times the “Panic Button” has been pushed to close schools over a wet fart of a weather event.
Some of the staff at HCPS work second jobs and cannot
extend the school days to saturday. Maybe they could
extend the school day 15 minutes, to make up time.
Spring break to most is a religious holiday (Easter) until
it became politically correct to change its name. Also
the year would be hard to extend because of summer
programs.
Oh almost forgot, Harford county has not had waiver
For years for snow.
My wife is a teacher so I certainly sympathize about teachers working 2nd jobs/part time jobs.
If HCPS has to start holding classes on Saturdays (which my wife thinks is very unlikely anyway) then they’ll need to decide which is the primary responsibility: Fulfill their contractual requirement and primary responsibility and show up to teach on Saturdays (which sucks for everyone) or go work their 2nd job making a few bucks an hour waiting tables at Applebees or tutoring at Sylvan. And if they have a part time employer who gives them a hard time about not being able to work a few Saturdays in the spring because of it then they need to ask themselves “Is this really someone I want to work for?”
There have been various points in my career when I’ve had to pick up a part time job to make ends meet. I always made it clear to my part time employer that my full time job took precedence and while I would do whatever I could to make sure I was available for my 2nd job, it was a 2nd job and would not be able pay my bills if I lost my full time job.
As far as waivers go…the reason Harford County hasn’t had waivers in years is because Tomback was a jackass loser and never requested any from the state when he could have done so.
John…. well said, and I am a teacher too! I work a 2nd job, and yes, there is a reason we call them first jobs 🙂 I’m not worried though, seriously doubt they would ever do the Saturdays as we have missed more days than this in the past………
It was revealed (a few years back when we missed lots of days) that HCPS already goes extra minutes each day; therefore, it’s doubtful that we would be required to go Saturdays. The county is required to report hours not days school is open. It will be interesting to see what transpires and what’s decided
had, what in the world are you talking about?
So with this impending storm, some forecasters are saying there may be more snow the farther south you go. How bout we get some parents together and form a Southern Harford School zone?