Help for the snow storm

    This weekend's storm is an inconvenience for most of us but it can be more serious for those who are physically unable to shovel snow.  Many elderly and disabled persons have special challenges with major snow storms.  If you know someone who is in this category it might be good to reach out to them this weekend to see if they are OK.  Here is the information on clearing snow from our sidewalks.

     "If a property owner has not removed the snow within 48 hours, you may want to contact the property owner and advise him or her of the County code. If you are unsure who owns a property, contact our Real Estate Services Division at 410-313-2330. If you have an exact address, they can look up the property owner and may be able to give you a contact name and number.
Another idea is to reach out and ask the property owner if he or she needs assistance. Although the property owner would like to comply with the law, many residents are physically unable to shovel snow and ice and are hesitant to request help from neighbors or friends. Your thoughtfulness can make a big difference to someone who might otherwise be unable to cope.

 P.S.
     Years ago as a Howard County employee I was brought in to man the phones in the County Emergency Response Center during a major snow storm.    Calls were varied but calls for people needing prescription refills and "when will my street be plowed" were the most numerous.  The pharmacies were heroic in trying to meet the need for medicine (especially Feldman's).   The biggest complainers on snow plowing were from residents who somehow thought their streets were being neglected. We often heard them say "for what I pay in taxes I should have my street plowed."  Fortunately we now have an easy way to see the street plows.  Here is the link.   And yes it may always seem that your street is the only one the plows haven't reached.  The real heroes in times like this are the County (and State) employees who are out there working hard to meet the needs of our County residents in difficult conditions like this weekend.  Government is often criticized as being unresponsive but we are fortunate to have some of the most dedicated elected officials and employees anywhere.
     I haven't yet seen a phone number posted for snow related needs but the County Police non emergency number is what is usually used.  That number is 410-313-2200.

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