Packed Snow, Unplowed Streets Causing Issues For Emergency Crews

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Crews across the state are working as quickly as possible to clear the record snow from the blizzard of 2016, but there is still no immediate estimate when all the roads will be clear.

Ava-joye Burnett with the challenges snow covered streets pose for emergency responders.

On a block in North Baltimore...

"The snow is just so deep here," said one resident.

In the back of people's minds--what happens if there's an emergency?

"Ambulances are going to have a hard time getting through, but this snow has just been a blockbuster. I can't fault anybody," Terry Kenny.

Monday night, there was a fire in Highlandtown, and it was the people on the streets who helped drag the hoses through the snow.

"The community was awesome," said Chief Niles Ford, Baltimore City Fire Department.

City leaders are promising they will get to you when you call.

"I keep reminding people--in 2010, when we had less snow than this, it took us 17 days to get to all of the streets. We know that's a public safety risk. That's why I've been asking people to stay off the streets--so we can get as many of the neighborhood streets done as possible," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

When it comes to life or death, like dialysis treatment, the National Guard is getting people to those appointments.

The fire department will be sending some of its crews out to search for neighborhoods still snowed in, and then they will dispatch the transportation department to try to clean things up.

"We will get to you. The message is not can we get to you--we will," Chief Ford said.

As time passes, neighborhoods untouched just pray and hope no one on their block will need an ambulance.

"I mean, listen. Everybody wants to blame the city. I'm as much a city basher as anybody, but no one can be prepared for three-feet of snow," said John Young.

Starting Wednesday, if you are in the business district, you will be required to clear off your sidewalks.