Snow Storm Preparation

Photo by Jim Havard on Flickr

I am generally the first to scoff at early weather predictions for “historic snowfall,” but since even the Capital Weather Gang is starting to say that heavy snowfall is more than likely, I think it’s time to start preparing. It was also this same weekend last year I chose to not believe the forecasts and got stuck in Connecticut in a massive storm. So….yeah let’s talk about snow preparation. Preparation that does NOT include rushing to the grocery store to stock up on milk, eggs and bread. I love french toast too but really, why is that what people stock up on? (Don’t forget the TP!! -Maria)

One of the best things about living in a neighborhood like Capitol Hill is that we are all walking distance to plenty of stores that will stay open through bad weather, so you don’t need to go wait in long lines at the grocery store right now. We will do our best to keep you updated through Twitter on what’s open. (Follow us at @TheHillisHome)

But in advance of the snow, you should consider getting yourself to Frager’s or another hardware store for a snow shovel and ice melt. As of last March, the city can officially fine you for failing to, “remove snow and ice from any paved sidewalks, curb cuts, and curb ramps abutting the building or property within eight (8) hours of daylight after the snow or other precipitation has ceased falling, regardless of the source of the accumulation.”

The disabled and any citizen over 65 is exempt from this, but you need to fill out a form to qualify. This helps the city know where to deploy its Resident Snow Teams to help out. Fill out the form online here. If you are interested in joining the Resident Snow Team, go to this site for information.

If you have a neighbor who is elderly, disabled, or for any reason unable to shovel their walk, please help them out (and anyone who needs to walk down your sidewalk safely) by shoveling their walk while you’re taking care of your own. Being a good neighbor is what makes our neighborhood great!

Prepare your house for the cold weather now: check for any pipes that are in danger of freezing, and if you know you will be out of town, make sure your heat keeps the house warm enough to keep any interior pipes from freezing. We have some good tips for you here.

DC has also put together a site, snow.dc.gov, dedicated to snow preparation and planning that has lots of useful tips and snow emergency route maps (hint: don’t park there if there is a snow emergency!)

The city has also put into effect its Cold Emergency Plan, which goes into effect when the temperature and wind chill drop to 15° F or when the temperature, with wind chill, is 20° F and there is an accompanying meteorological event such as snow. Find a list of cold weather shelters here and learn more about how to help someone who is left out in the cold here.

And if you know of any pets left out in the cold during this kind of cold weather, please alert the Washington Humane Society. In Montgomery County it’s now illegal to leave a dog tied up and unattended in cold weather emergencies…it’s not bad advice to follow here as well!

Finally, for the fun! Because snow really can be fun! After an Only-in-DC moment last year in which residents held a “sled-in” on Capitol Hill, the ban on sledding down Capitol Hill has finally been lifted. Seriously, they actually banned it! But now the fun is back so get a sled (Frager’s has great ones!) and meet some neighbors on the best sledding Hill around.

If sledding is not your thing, put on your snow boots and metro out to a movie theater for one of the many Oscar-nominated films out this year. I’ve been making my way through the nominees and can say there are some great films out there. Or if you’d rather stay in, stock up on books from the local library or get pick a new show on Netflix or Amazon to binge watch. I also hear there’s a thing called cable television that has some entertaining things but I cut the cord years ago…