Snow Emergency Tips
When a snow emergency is declared, the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) is responsible for providing “passable” conditions on a network of more than 1,900 miles of county-maintained roadways to ensure the safety of residents, citizens, and travelers.
Route Clearing Priorities
Routes are prioritized for service by the following categories: primary, secondary, and residential. Primary and secondary roads are serviced first to ensure that public safety and other emergency vehicles can travel. After completion of these roads, residential roads receive service. Crews work as long as necessary to clear roadways, which consists of salting, sanding, and/or plowing, as warranted by weather conditions.
To assist crews, citizens and residents are requested to:
- Move and keep vehicles off snow emergency routes
- Park in driveways or other off-road locations wherever possible
- Park only on the even-numbered sides of roads/streets It also is important for single-family homeowners/renters and business proprietors to remember that they are responsible for the removal of snow/ice from the sidewalks abutting their homes or businesses.
Reporting Road Concerns During a snow and ice event, residents and citizens are asked to wait 24 hours, after the precipitation has stopped, to call 311 or 301-883-4748 to report emergencies or concerns about roadway conditions/snow removal.
Snow & Ice Control (Public Works & Transportation)
1. When will my street be plowed?
Snow emergency routes and primary roads are treated first, followed by secondary streets and finally residential streets including dead-ends and cul-de-sacs.
2. Where do I call to report my street has not been plowed or treated?
Call CountyClick 311 (311 or 301-883-4748), 24 hours after the precipitation has stopped, if your road has not been treated.
3. My driveway is blocked with plowed snow, what do I do?
You are responsible for clearing the snow from your driveway. It is best to shovel your driveway after the road has been plowed to avoid having driveways blocked by snow plowing operations. DPW&T does not have the resources available to unblock driveways.
4. I have a medical condition and need my street plowed right away.
The Department of Public Works and Transportation cannot prioritize roadways by medical needs of the residents. For medical emergencies, residents should call 911 immediately. Department of Public Works and Transportation works directly with the Fire and Police Departments on emergencies. For assistance with transportation to medical appointments, residents should call the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 301-583-1899. The Office of Emergency Preparedness will assist in providing transportation with 4 wheel drive vehicles.
5. Where should I park my car?
If you have a driveway, use it. A parked car in the driveway means less area to shovel later. If on-street parking must be used, cars must be parked on the even-numbered side of the street during snow operations. Failure to do so could result in a fine and/or towing.
6. I live in a new development and I haven't seen a snow plow yet. Who do I call?
Call CountyClick 311 (311 or 301-883-4748). Inform the call taker that you live in a new development and they can determine if your roadway has been accepted into the County maintenance system. If it hasn't, you will need to contact your developer or citizens' association as it is their responsibility until the road has been accepted by the County.
Snow emergency routes and primary roads are treated first, followed by secondary streets and finally residential streets including dead-ends and cul-de-sacs.
2. Where do I call to report my street has not been plowed or treated?
Call CountyClick 311 (311 or 301-883-4748), 24 hours after the precipitation has stopped, if your road has not been treated.
3. My driveway is blocked with plowed snow, what do I do?
You are responsible for clearing the snow from your driveway. It is best to shovel your driveway after the road has been plowed to avoid having driveways blocked by snow plowing operations. DPW&T does not have the resources available to unblock driveways.
4. I have a medical condition and need my street plowed right away.
The Department of Public Works and Transportation cannot prioritize roadways by medical needs of the residents. For medical emergencies, residents should call 911 immediately. Department of Public Works and Transportation works directly with the Fire and Police Departments on emergencies. For assistance with transportation to medical appointments, residents should call the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 301-583-1899. The Office of Emergency Preparedness will assist in providing transportation with 4 wheel drive vehicles.
5. Where should I park my car?
If you have a driveway, use it. A parked car in the driveway means less area to shovel later. If on-street parking must be used, cars must be parked on the even-numbered side of the street during snow operations. Failure to do so could result in a fine and/or towing.
6. I live in a new development and I haven't seen a snow plow yet. Who do I call?
Call CountyClick 311 (311 or 301-883-4748). Inform the call taker that you live in a new development and they can determine if your roadway has been accepted into the County maintenance system. If it hasn't, you will need to contact your developer or citizens' association as it is their responsibility until the road has been accepted by the County.