First responders and National Guard to help with aftermath of snow storm

MARYLAND – “Remember, ice and snow, take it slow.”

That’s the message first responders are making as they deal with the aftermath of Delmarva’s second large snowstorm of the year.

Ashley Miller with the Ocean City Police Department says public safety agencies are all working together to help residents ‘weather’ what’s leftover from the storm. “As we’re diligently trying to get the roads clear, we can’t be at every road and everything so some spots may not be as clear as others yet,” says Miller.

Even though the snow stopped falling, Miller tells us there are other concerns, like the allure of frozen bodies of water. “If they look frozen over, it might be inviting to kids and ice skating but it’s not going to be frozen all the way through.”

Meanwhile, the National Guard was also out in the community Saturday to help with recovery from the storm.

“Once we get the request from our highers, they can be to go help local police departments, state departments, and EMS and we can help them get from point A to point B and back or wherever they have to go,” says Captain Hernan Lopez, commander of the National Guard Task Force in Salisbury.

Cpt. Lopez tells us these snowstorms actually give them a hands-on learning experience with a snow emergency. “For some of our newer troops, it gives them an awesome opportunity and they’re excited to help the community with this.”

National guardsmen used the snowy conditions to practice recon, and train for different scenarios. “We do what’s called an after-action review or lessons learned and we take those lessons learned and we definitely look at them and consider them for future missions,” says Cpt. Lopez.

The National Guard and first responders will be on stand-by throughout the rest of the weekend for those in need of help.

Miller also says to continue being mindful of the weather conditions and roads throughout over the next few days.