BALTIMORE, MD: Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., today announced that the Baltimore City Fire Department began assisting DPW this afternoon as crews and contractors continue to work to restore water services. In addition to frozen services and water main breaks, the Department of Public Works must also address hundreds of other service requests, including flooded basements, as well as snow removal efforts. 
Fire Department employees will be working to resolve the flooded basement issues by providing pumping operations. Flooded basement concerns have increased because of a number of factors, including frozen sump pump outfalls and broken water lines in vacant houses. Those broken lines not only flood the vacant structure, but also can and will flood adjoining properties.

Fire Department crews will also assist with delivery of emergency bottled water, and they will check on the health and welfare of impacted residents. They will also make appropriate referrals of citizens' needs to other City agencies, including the Health and Housing Departments. Having the Fire Department as a partner allows for more Public Works staff to concentrate on water restorations and to provide snow removal staff.

The Department of Public Works also reminds citizens that once again, as temperatures plunge over the next few days, that individual actions to protect water service lines can prevent major problems. Most importantly, turn off outside faucets and drain them, and let a thin stream of water run continuously from your basement faucet. The movement of the water will help to prevent the pipe from freezing. AND please check on, and assist, your elderly and disabled neighbors.

For more Winter Weather Tips please go to:
http://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/Bureaus/WaterWastewater/CustomerSupportandServices/ColdWeatherTips.aspx
 
Citizens in Baltimore City with water concerns should call 311. Customers in Baltimore County should call 410-396-5323.