Blizzard Update From Ken Ulman - Friday February 12

As the snowiest week in Howard County history draws to a close, I want
to thank you again for your continued patience. I had the opportunity
today to tour much of the County with our Director of Public Works. I
was very pleased to see the progress our crews have been making, but we
clearly still have a long way to go before our road conditions – and
our daily lives -- return to normal.

Our primary goal after these storms was to make sure all roads were
passable for emergency response vehicles as soon as possible. As of
today, that goal is accomplished, but there is still work to be done.

Large snow piles have reduced sight distances at many intersections;
many travel lanes are narrower than normal; and some neighborhoods
still need additional snow clearing work. Over the coming days, we will
transition our efforts to addressing these concerns. In the mean time,
please continue to use extreme caution and drive slowly.

We ask that you be patient and aware as our crews work to improve
roadway and intersection conditions throughout the county. This work
will temporarily disrupt travel on some County roads over the coming
days. In addition, please be especially cautious of pedestrians who may
be forced to walk in the roadway as many sidewalks are buried under
mounds of snow.

Here are some additional updates and other resources:

* Howard County community centers and parks will be closed on Saturday, February 13.

* County libraries will be open on Saturday, February 13.

* The Alpha Ridge Landfill will be open on Saturday, February 13, and Ellicott City will receive their normal Saturday trash collection
if at all possible. In other areas, residential trash and recycling
collection will begin again on Monday, February 15, and follow the
normal collection schedule.

* Howard Transit service will resume Saturday, February 13. While efforts will be made to run regular routes, some delays and/or detours
may be unavoidable. For additional details, check
www.howardtransit.com.

* Please clear the area around fire hydrants near you that are covered with or obstructed by snow.

* If a plow has caused snow to block your driveway and you need assistance, please ask neighbors, family or friends to help.

* If you are concerned about the structural integrity of your roof, please review this PDF compiled by our Department
of Licenses, Inspections and Permits.

* Remember to clear snow away from any furnace/appliance vents.

* As always, if you have a true emergency, please call 911. For non-emergency but urgent needs, please call 410-313-2900.

Again, thank you for your patience during this time, and please share this email with family, friends and neighbors.