MetCom Preparing for Winter Storm

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for St. Mary’s County from 1 am through 7 pm Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. Snowfall of 3 to 6 inches is predicted with the highest totals expected for the southern portions of the county. Heavy snow may result in significant travel impacts and dangerous conditions.

While snow storms do not necessarily increase the number of water main breaks in MetCom’s system, road conditions may cause logistical and safety challenges for St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission field crews. This could mean longer service disruptions than normal in the event of a needed emergency repair.

MetCom is preparing for the storm in the following ways:

• Keeping and maintaining the water distribution system as full as possible during the storm.
• Updating the emergency contact list for our electrical supplier in the event of a power outage at vital facilities.
• Testing and topping off mobile equipment including generators to provide temporary power if an outage occurs.
• Preparing snow removal and salting equipment at key locations

Should customers encounter water or sewer service issues during the storm they should call MetCom’s Emergency Call Center at 301-373-5305.

Please conserve water in the event of a power outage.

If your property is serviced by a grinder pump and you experience a power outage, conserve water until power is restored.  It is normal for the sewage grinder pump to alarm for several minutes once electrical power is restored; however please contact MetCom at 301-373-5305 if the alarm continues.

In the event weather conditions affect MetCom operations, we will inform the media with updates. Customers can stay updated by visiting the website linked to above.  Status updates will be provided as frequently as is possible.

While MetCom does not generally maintain the pipes on private property, homeowners can take steps to lessen the impact on the pipes in their homes during the winter months.

• Tightly close doors and windows to the outside.
• Turn off water to outside faucets.
• Insulate outside walls, pipes and water meters. Consult with your plumber or hardware store about proper materials.

Additionally, be prepared in case of frozen pipes for a longer than normal period of time without water service.

• Do NOT use a blow torch to thaw the pipe. Instead try a hair dryer.
• Have extra water on hand. At least one gallon a day per person (more if you have pets).
• Fill clean containers with MetCom tap water.
• Fully charge cell phones and update important contact information.
• Property owners are responsible for their own pipes. If you are unsure if you have a frozen or broken pipe MetCom recommends homeowners call a licensed plumber.

To learn more about St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission, visit their Leader Member page.

St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Cancels Activities

Due to the potential impact of the approaching winter storm, all activities and events, scheduled to occur in St. Mary’s County Public Schools Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7 and 8, 2017, have been canceled. All schools and facilities will remain closed.

St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks has canceled all programs for Saturday and all facilities will be closed.

A decision regarding parks operations for Sunday will be made no sooner than Saturday afternoon as conditions are assessed. At the very latest, an alert will be posted Saturday night regarding Sunday’s operations.

All youth basketball games scheduled in St. Mary’s County public schools for Saturday and Sunday are canceled.