City of Laurel, Maryland

            This is an alert from the City of Laurel Emergency Operations Department. Mayor Craig A. Moe has declared that the City Snow Emergency and City State of Emergency will remain in effect until further notice. Please remember not to park on the even side of the city’s snow emergency routes.  Based on the additional snow fall predictions, the City intends to strictly enforce the parking restrictions on the snow emergency routes.

            Due to the predicted amount of snowfall, all Parks and Recreation facilities are closed tonight, February 9, 2010 and tomorrow, February 10, 2010, as well as all Parks and Recreation activities will be cancelled until further notice.

            Also, because of the inability for the City’s refuse trucks to access most communities, today’s and tomorrow’s collections are postponed. The City is hoping to collect trash from impacted routes on Thursday and Friday. The City of Laurel Emergency Operations Department and Department of Public Works are working around the clock to continually clear the snow emergency routes, secondary streets and courts.

            Additionally, when attempting to clear sidewalks, cars, driveways and other areas near the street, do not throw the snow into the street.  This is a violation of City Code as this will create hazards for motorists and more problems for Public Works when they are clearing the streets. The City of Laurel Emergency Operations Department is asking homeowners and residents to also please check that their downspouts, drains and sump pump discharges are free of snow to allow for proper drainage operations as well as check that fire hydrants are cleared of snow in case emergency personnel need to gain access. Finally, the Emergency Operations Department is asking that because of the cold temperatures and high snow levels please check on neighbors, especially any elderly neighbors, to ensure that they are warm and safe.

            If during the storm you need emergency service, Fire and EMS can be reached by calling 911 and the Laurel Police can be reached by calling 301-725-3000 for emergency needs. If you have any other questions that the City of Laurel can answer, we are staffing phones at City Hall.  You can reach City Hall at 301-725-5300. Thank you.