mh/snow2.pr                        Contact:  David Weaver, 301-217-6530
                                                  (home) 301-946-6664
                                                       (pager) 301-406-4147

COUNTY PLANS FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOWFALL; URGES RESIDENTS TO
HELP IN PREPARATION           For Immediate Release:  February 1, 1996


     Based on current predictions by the National Weather Service, the
Montgomery County Department of Transportation is planning on handling a
significant snowfall within the next 24 hours.  At this time, the snow is
expected to begin falling early tomorrow morning.
     Road crews within the department's Division of Public Works are making
extensive preparations for the winter storm.  Salt and sand supplies are at a
maximum, including a 3,000 ton reserve.  By early Friday morning,
approximately 200 workers and 170 pieces of equipment will begin salting and
sanding roadways.  If predictions of the snowfall are accurate, that number
will increase by late afternoon, with more than 350 employees and contractors
working on snow removal operations.  The County has also enhanced its snow
operations communications system since the last snowfall.
     County officials urge residents to assist crews in snow removal efforts
by following some basic routines so that roadways can be completed in a timely
and efficient manner.  These include:
     o Parking in your driveway whenever possible.  Keeping vehicles off the
     street helps ensure easier  -- and safer -- access for snowplows;
     o If parking on the street, please park on the EVEN side of the road;
     o Assist pedestrians and school children by shoveling snow away from     
      sidewalks;



SNOW PLAN OPERATIONS                                                   2-2-2-2
     o If a snow emergency is declared in the County, please comply with the
     posted/announced regulations; failure to do so will result in fines
     and/or towing of the vehicle(s);
     Officials also suggest that residents plan ahead and get food, medicine
and other essential items prior to the storm.
     For up-to-date information on snow operations, as well as the status of
County government programs and services, residents can call 217-8800 for
information on delays or closings.
     In addition, live traffic information and updates on snow operations
will be aired daily on County Cable 55 (channel 5 on cable-ready sets) -- the
County government channel -- throughout the morning and afternoon.
                                  # # #
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