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K E E P I N G  Y O U  I N F O R M E D
February 5, 2010
DO YOU NEED HELP IN THE BLIZZARD?

Neighbor Offers Help in the Snow

It's gestures like this that make Oyster Harbor a wonderful neighborhood!

A message from Robb Fish: "I just wanted to offer my services if needed. I have a 4-wheel drive truck so if you hear of any OH residents who need assitance -- whether it be shoveling or need food or anything like that -- please feel free to give them my number 410-280-6461 (home) or 202-550-2897 (cell). I will do what I can depending on the conditions out there."

Thank you, Robb! Everybody, look in on our older residents or those who cannot get around too well. Let's take care of each other.

If you can't reach Robb and you need some help, please contact any of the OHCA board members or officers.


Also, please make sure your vehicles are off the roads so the snow plows can get through.

And, in case the power goes out, be prepared with a bathtub full of water (for toilet flushing) and pitchers of drinking water set aside.
County Executive Declares State of Emergency

County Executive John R. Leopold has declared a State of Emergency as a major storm begins to pass through the area.

"With the worst of the storm expected in the early hours of Saturday morning, I am urging residents to stay off the roads because they will be treacherous," County Executive Leopold said. 

"Preparations are being made to open a shelter at Annapolis High School equipped with a generator for citizens and pets if the need arises. Our Department of Public Works crews will be working around the clock throughout the weekend to treat and plow our roads."

Declaring a State of Emergency is important when seeking disaster reimbursement from the federal government. The County Government closed at 3 p.m. and Friday, and all County activities and facilities will be closed on Saturday, February 5.

The National Weather Service is calling for 18 to 24 inches of snow between this afternoon and Saturday night.Tonight the temperature will be around 28 degrees, with winds of 17 and 24 mph and gusts as high as 36 mph.

Please observe the following safety tips:
  • Stay home unless absolutely necessary.
  • Have vehicles properly winterized and equipped with snow tires or chains. Carry a "survival kit" in your vehicle consisting of blankets, candles, matches, non-perishable foods, drinking water, protective clothing, traction material and a shovel.
  • Eliminate all non-essential travel during storms. Maintain a full tank of gas if travel during adverse weather is absolutely necessary.
  • Ensure the proper operation of home emergency equipment such as battery-operated radios, flashlights, emergency heating sources, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. We recommend that you do not use candles in the event of a power outage.
  • Make sure furnaces, wood burning stoves and fireplaces have been checked for safe operation and have had the chimneys cleaned. Always dispose of fireplace ashes in an approved metal container, do not put ashes in a plastic/paper bag or other unapproved container.
  • Have a supply of non-perishable food/water for use in emergencies and keep an adequate supply of medications and baby supplies on hand, if needed.
  • Plan precautions to prevent water pipes from freezing during periods of intense cold, such as proper insulation of pipes or draining water from exposed pipes. As a last resort, maintain minimum water flow to prevent freezing.
  • Be aware that heavier than normal snows may cause leaks and collapse weakened or small structures such as sheds or other outbuildings.  
  • Residents/owners should ensure that gutters and roof drains are clear to ensure the removal of water from roof areas.
  • Be alert to storm WATCHES or WARNINGS issued by the National Weather Service and broadcast by local radio and television stations.

Oyster Harbor Citizens Association
PO Box 3174
Annapolis, Maryland 21403