When is a Snow Emergency in Effect?
The City's Snow Emergency Plan goes into effect whenever a Snow Emergency is declared for Prince George's County. Also, the Mayor may proclaim or end a Snow Emergency.
Snow Emergencies are announced on most local radio and television stations. Laurel Cable Network, Channel 71 (SD) or 996 (HD) on Comcast and Channel 12 on FiOS, broadcasts snow related announcements and closings.
Parking Restrictions
During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on the even numbered side of designated City Snow Routes. All other posted parking restrictions remain in effect. Parking is prohibited on both sides of the street along State and County Snow Routes. You should also receive a telephone message from the City advising you to remove vehicles if they are parked on a Snow Emergency Route.
Illegal Parking Notice
Cars parked illegally along Snow Emergency Routes will be ticketed, towed and impounded at the owner's expense and risk. If your car is towed, call the Laurel Police Department at (301) 498-0092 for release information. Also, the use of snow tires or chains is required to operate a vehicle during emergencies.
Plowing and Salting
The Snow Emergency Routes receive priority in our Snow Removal Operations. Next, we take care of established hazardous locations such as hills, sharp curves and busy intersections. Then we take care of side streets. PLEASE BE PATIENT. During a major snowstorm, snow removal can be a monumental task. City crews work around the clock to clear streets and to provide other City services as well as clear parking lots and sidewalks at City buildings and other public service facilities. City crews do their best not to block driveways when plowing the streets, unfortunately it cannot always be avoided, please DO NOT throw snow back into the street.
Clearing Sidewalks
City Ordinance requires all owners and occupants to clear ice and snow from sidewalks fronting their property within 12 hours after the cessation of snowfall or ice accumulation. Failure to clear your sidewalk may result in a fine. Please clear your sidewalk for the convenience and safety of pedestrians.
Don't shovel ice and snow from your driveway or sidewalk onto the street. It causes a traffic hazard that must be plowed and salted again.
Questions
Should you have any questions about the Snow Emergency Plan or if you cannot find your street and/or development on the Snow Emergency Map, please call the Department of Public Works. To contact Public Works by phone call: 301-725-0088 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (TTY/Text users call via Maryland Relay). Public Works is staffed during all snow emergencies. For your convenience you can also e-mail Public Works at [email protected].
