Being prepared for all of winter’s nuisances can make enjoying the beauty it brings much more joyful.
It’s that time of year again to prepare for wintry precipitation and make sure that you have all the tools that you may need to get through a snowy day or freezing temperatures in Columbia Town Center. Being prepared for all of winter’s nuisances can make enjoying the beauty it brings much more joyful. Follow these easy tips to keep you and your family safe all season long!
Keep the Sidewalks Clear When it Snows
When snow falls, it is the responsibility of the property owners to clear all sidewalks that abut their property.
Please refrain from parking on streets after snowfall, especially on cul-de-sacs, as it makes snow removal nearly impossible for highway crews. Parking in one’s driveway allows police officers, firefighters, and paramedics to respond quickly to public safety tasks, even in treacherous conditions, and leads to the quick and complete clearing of roads.
Heat Your House Safely
According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical fires are a leading cause of home fires in the United States. Heating comes in at a close second and causes numerous domestic house fires, deaths, and injuries annually, peaking in December, January, and February.
Those portable space heaters are very handy, but you have to be careful! Space heaters are involved in two out of every five home heating equipment fires.
- Always place space heaters on a solid, flat surface at least three feet away from anything flammable. That includes people!
- Only plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.
- Only use space heaters when an individual is in the same room. Turn off and unplug the heater when not in use.
Replenish Your Emergency Kits
It is important to keep your emergency kit stocked with fresh materials. Key components may include water, food, a flashlight, extra batteries, candles, a radio, and any other items that you or your family might need if a winter storm causes a power outage.
Also, don’t forget to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, which should include items such as a first aid kit, water, food, blankets, an extra jacket, and a change of shoes. You never know when you may become stranded or stuck in a traffic accident. A flashlight, headlamp, and external phone charger may also be useful.
Know When to Call for Help
The Bureau of Highways provides access for emergency vehicles during life-threatening individual emergencies such as birth, illness, death, fuel deliveries, or fire upon the request of either the Police Department or the Department of Fire and Rescue Services. If you are experiencing an emergency situation during a snow event, call 911 immediately.
THRIVE AT COLUMBIA TOWN CENTER
Town Center is one of the ten villages of Columbia, Maryland. Our Village offices are located in Historic Oakland, one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Howard County. In the heart of Columbia, Town Center’s residents enjoy living in an urban community in a suburban setting with close proximity to all Columbia amenities, attractions, and cultural activities. Visit us to learn more about our community at 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044. Call us at 410-730-4744 or visit our website https://www.columbiatowncenter.org/