Mayor Scott And City Officials Say Baltimore Is Ready For Winter Weather
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Mayor Brandon Scott and city officials said Baltimore City is prepared for snowy and icy weather this winter.
"The winter season brings unpredictable weather and I want to personally assure Baltimore residents that the city is prepared," said Baltimore Department of Transportation Director Steve Sharkey during a press conference Wednesday.
Scott said he is "fully confident" municipal agencies will handle any snowfall in Baltimore and get the city moving again. He also vowed to be out during wintry weather to monitor the city's response.
"You never really know what you're going to get until a week or so ahead," said Alex Schulick of Baltimore. "So, we'll see, hopefully it's nothing too bad."
The city has $6.83 million in the snow budget, more than 15,000 tons of salt to treat roads, and 300 essential workers with about 600 pieces of equipment to clear city streets, the mayor said.
With all that in place, Mayor Scott said he needs city residents to prepare, too.
"We ask for full cooperation of the residents so that we can be successful in clearing our streets in the event of snowy weather which we all hope we don't get a single inch of this winter," he said.
The mayor advised residents to stay at home if they don't need to travel. People who have to be on the roads should drive at a slow and safe pace, he said.
Other tips include: making sure you have plenty of water and household necessities if you are snowed in. Be sure to check smoke alarms, pipes and be careful when using generators and space heaters.
These reminders are ringing loud and clear for some residents.
"As long as the city can keep up with anything that happens as far as winter weather, I feel pretty comfortable," Eric Roher of Baltimore said.
Agencies will post updates during winter storms on social media and the city's official website for snow, snow.baltimorecity.gov, officials said.