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Greenbelt Snow Removal

BEFORE THE SNOW FALLS

The Greenbelt Public Works Department begins preparing for winter as early as September or October. All snow equipment is serviced, mounted and checked to see that it is in good working order. Road salt is stockpiled so that enough is on hand for a number of storms. During snow season, the Department monitors official daily weather condition reports and will alert crews before the bad weather is due to arrive.

WHEN THE SNOW STARTS FALLING
Keeping the streets open for traffic is top priority to allow police, fire, ambulance and other emergency service vehicles to continue to provide necessary services and for citizens to safely travel to and from their destinations.

The first step in clearing the snowfall is road and street salting. Main roads and city streets which are most heavily traveled year-round are salted first. Connecting public streets and public residential areas are then serviced. Private streets and areas are the responsibility of the homeowners.

Snow removal operations begin when frozen precipitation starts falling. Deicing rock salt is spread on the roads and streets to melt the snow and ice. This continues until the surfaces are clear or it is no longer effective due to the depth of the snow.

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WHEN THE SNOWFALL CONTINUES
When two or three inches of snow have accumulated and more is expected, snow is more effectively removed by plowing rather than by salting. Main roads and streets, connecting public thoroughfares and public residential streets will be plowed by the Public Works Department. Snow and ice clearing in private streets and areas is the responsibility of the homeowners.

Our first priority is to open the main streets. These streets are the key to maintaining a steady flow of traffic since most residents live within a few blocks of such routes. The snowplows then continue to all streets on the route to "open up" each one in sequence. If the storm intensity continues, the snowplows continue the same pattern to keep the routes open until the snowfall abates. The snowplows then begin to "widen out" all routes by pushing the accumulated snow back towards the curb line and clearing the intersections.

Remember that our trained crews work around the clock during such storms to keep the roads open and passable.

If there is a problem concerning road conditions, advise the Public Works Department at 301-474-8004

For Fire or medical emergency, dial 911. The Greenbelt Police Emergency number is 301-474-5454; use the Police Non-Emergency number 301-474-7200 for all other police calls.

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AFTER THE SNOWSTORM ENDS
Snow crews continue to monitor all roads for icy spots and areas where winds have re-deposited the snow in traffic lanes. An application of salt (or salt mixed with sand) is applied so the riding surface will remain drivable. Crews are dispatched to clear road drain inlets and catch basins so that melting snow can run off.

You may wish to avoid a potential problem and also be of assistance to you neighbors by cleaning off a catch basin inlet or shoveling out a nearby fire hydrant.

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HELPING US HELP
A heavy snowstorm can disrupt the normal flow of everyday living and be a frustrating experience. These tips can help eliminate some of the frustration:

Be Prepared
Before it snows remember the past years' problems and try to prevent them in advance. If you shovel your own snow, have your tools and supplies handy. shovels, snow-blowers, and rock salt should be ready before the season. If you hire someone to do the job for you, make those arrangements early; it's tough to find someone in the middle of the storm.

If you have a driveway--use it. This protects your car from being splashed by salt spray, becoming plowed in, or being struck by a skidding vehicle. The more cars off the street, the better the job we can do.

If you don't have a driveway--please coordinate with your neighbors and park as close to the curb as possible on the even-numbered side of the street until the odd-numbered side has bee plowed. You should then relocate your vehicle to the odd-numbered side so we can plow the even-numbered side. Plan alternate ways to travel to main routes and to and from your place of employment.

Make arrangements to have adequate food supplies on hand. Keep flashlights, a battery-powered radio, spare batteries, and a windup clock on hand in case of a power failure. If you use candles when the lights go out, get the long-lasting kind and have sturdy holders for them. Of course, be extremely careful about open flames and fire hazards.

Be Careful
When shoveling out the mouth of your driveway, throw the snow to the side or "downstream". Do not throw it into the road--it will only be re-deposited when the snowplow comes around again. Also, a patch of snow or ice on a clear road will cause a hazardous condition.

Remember, snow shoveling is hard work. Don't overexert yourself and strain muscles that aren't used to strenuous exercise. Be aware of the stress that is put on your cardiovascular system. Don't become a victim of a stroke or heart attack. Also, be aware of cold injury, hypothermia (loss of body-heat) and the effects of frostbite.

Most of all, use good judgment and plain old common sense.

Listen For Snow Alerts
Local news media will announce approaching storms and broadcast information on school closings and meeting cancellations. They will also note road closings and rerouting. The City broadcasts important information for residents on Greenbelt Municipal Access Television, Channel B-10.

Be Patient
Please don't go out during or immediately after a snowstorm unless it is truly necessary. Crews have many hours of hard work to complete their snow clearing operations and less traffic on the road means that we will be able to clear more quickly and completely.

It is each homeowners responsibility to clear snow and ice from his/her own sidewalk for the safety and convenience of pedestrians. You should do this within 24 hours after the snowfall stops. Also, please be considerate of the refuse and recycling collection crews and clear a path to your garbage can area. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Remember, whether it is your driveway and sidewalk for which you are responsible, or the many miles of City streets for which we are responsible, snow removal is an difficult and time consuming job. Please understand the City cannot shovel ridges or windrows from your driveway that were left by the snowplow, nor can we plow private property.

If you have already called about a legitimate driving hazard, please don't call a second time. We will get to it as soon as possible. The employees of the Greenbelt Public Works Department are loyal and dedicated to serve the citizens of our City. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

We will do our best job--to do the best job--that we can humanly do for you.

The Public Work Snow Removal Crew
City of Greenbelt

Public Works Department
555 Crescent Road
Phone: 301-474-8004
Fax: 301-474-8149