Baltimore Co. Unveils New Snow Fighting Tools

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Every year, local governments like to remind everyone they're ready for the snow.

Baltimore County proved it Thursday, and as Mike Schuh reports, now they've announced a new tool to keep residents up-to-date on the snowplowing efforts in their area.

The snow has already arrived--ahead of schedule.

"Apparently winter doesn't officially arrive until next Tuesday," said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.

But as we found out, Mother Nature can't read. So back when leaves were still on the trees, the county had been planning for just this kind of day and worse.

"Whenever it arrives, we are ready," said Kamenetz.    

Friday the talk was of enough money and salt to last the year, and a new website called "Snow Fighter."

"We used it [Thursday] to communicate with the snow removal, and we're currently updating as we speak," said Rob Stalding, Baltimore Co. Info Technology.

Residents can tell the county what areas need attention, and the county will tell residents how much snow has been removed where they live.

"It's a combination of all the info we have available," said Stalding.

The Baltimore County police chief commented on the tradition of people claiming ownership of the parking spot they've shoveled out. He says you don't own that spot, but we all have to work together.

"Be courteous and respectful of others," said Chief Jim Johnson, Baltimore County Police. "There's no ownership of that spot, however refrain from altercation."

This is the new county executive's first winter. He knows mismanaging snow cleanup has ruined political careers.

"Believe me, I understand that," said Kamenetz.

Here's one final tip from the county.  If we have blizzards like we did last year, officials suggest that you have at least a week of medications on hand. To see Baltimore County's new webpage, click here.