BALTIMORE, MD (November 07, 2018) – Today, Mayor Catherine E. Pugh was joined by Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Michelle Pourciau along with officials from the Baltimore City Departments of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Fire, Health, Baltimore Housing and the Office of Emergency Management to announce that the City of Baltimore is fully prepared for the upcoming 2018-2019 snow season. 

“The City of Baltimore has prepared its equipment and trained necessary personnel to ensure that we are fully prepared for the upcoming winter season,” said Mayor Pugh.  “Our snow crews are ready to deliver prompt and efficient service to the citizens of Baltimore.”   

With a budget of $6.65 million, the City’s snow removal efforts include 292 pieces of city equipment, along with 300 contractor apparatuses for efficient snow removal operations.  The city is fully stocked with over 15,000 tons of salt and a 36,000 gallon salt brine capacity.

“Our snow operations are continuously evaluated and are improved in numerous ways every year,” said Director Michelle Pourciau. “When inclement weather inevitably hits, the Baltimore City Snow Team will be ready to restore our city’s streets quickly and safely. The winter season often brings unpredictable weather, so we encourage everyone to stay safe on the roadways by planning ahead and preparing for snow emergencies.”

Key city agencies provided pertinent information and helpful tips for the public in preparation for inclement weather.  Today’s presentations stressed the importance of being prepared for winter emergencies.  Citizens are encouraged to plan ahead by assembling emergency supply kits for both their homes and vehicles before the winter season begins.  Motorists are advised not to drive during a winter storm unless absolutely necessary so that snow crews are better able to treat city streets.

In order to improve snow removal operations, the city will be utilizing several new snow plows that have been specially outfitted to clear city bike lanes.  These “zero turn” multipurpose track mowers are equipped with snow plows and salt spreaders.  The smaller size of these units makes them ideal for plowing bike lanes throughout the city.

For the fourth winter in a row, the Department of Transportation is coordinating its Youth Snow Shoveling Program that will benefit senior citizens and students throughout Baltimore.  This initiative will link student workers with senior citizens and disabled residents in their communities who need assistance in clearing snow from their public right of ways/sidewalks. 

After a winter storm, student workers between the ages of 14 and 21 will shovel snow from the public right of ways of elderly and disabled residents who are enrolled in the program.  Students will be deployed to work on days when city schools are closed and will receive a stipend for their efforts.  This beneficial program will help elderly residents throughout the winter season while providing employment opportunities for city youth. 

Seniors and disabled residents, along with city youth who are interested in the program should call 311 for an application.  The deadline for registration is January 19, 2019.

Throughout the winter season, citizens are encouraged to visit snow.baltimorecity.gov or tune into the local news media for updated information.