Emergency Operations Center Active Through Sunday Morning

Baltimore County activated its Emergency Operations Center at 10 a.m. today and plans to continue the activation through Sunday morning. The EOC provides a coordinated, multi-agency response to emergencies such as today''s winter storm.

We appreciate the media''s help in publicizing the following important information:

- Do not drive. Road conditions are hazardous. If you must drive, bring a survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.

- Some 300 pieces of highway equipment, plus contractors, are plowing roads and working to keep them passable during the course of the storm. The focus is on main roads. Be patient; it may take 24 to 36 hours after the storm to clear all side streets and minor roads.

- Wait to shovel your driveway until after the storm. Plows cannot stop at every driveway! if you shovel now, you will be plowed in when highway equipment passes.

- If you lose power, use flashlights instead of candles for light. Candles pose a fire risk.

- Exercise caution when using portable generators. Generators produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. They MUST be used outdoors, at least 15 feet from the house.