We are all expecting a big storm for the weekend (and I’m sure some kids are looking forward to some great sledding).

Blade Runners (who plows our community) provided a great update that we have pasted below. A few other reminders:

• Residents are responsible for shoveling the snow in front of their homes and maintaining their sidewalks
• As you dig your cars out, do not throw snow in the travel lanes/street (see below why)
• Look out for your neighbors and help each other out.

Here is the full update from Blade Runners:

Dear Blade Runners snow clients,
Please accept our apologies for the long email.

As you know we have the potential for a significant snow fall this coming weekend. Rest assured that Blade Runners is preparing for this event and will meet the challenge to the best of our ability. Our experiences in 1987, 1996, 2003, 2009, and 2010 are a great help in our planning.

Storms of this magnitude bring a new set challenges and things to consider. The amount of work required is not linear. If an 8” storm takes “x” time, a 16 inch storm takes “4x” time. We will face more breakdowns and stuck vehicles. For instance, in the December 2009 storm we had 14 vehicles at one time with broken transmissions. There will be larger piles and many more instances of plowed in cars, hydrants, and drains.

First will be to clear a lane to allow vehicles to move in and out of the community. This is likely to look like only one lane and residents will think we have been lazy. We will have to plow multiple times, the snow piles high on each side, creeps in, and will eventually create the one lane look.

Second: We will work on stuck cars, and safety hazards in the community.

Third: We will begin loader service (for those who request it).

During light hours Saturday, Sunday and perhaps Monday are very important. Please work with auto owners to not throw snow into the street. Also please do not speak to the drivers on the site. They need to get the work done and do not have time to speak with people. If we have instances where people are abusive in this manner, we instruct the drivers to leave and move to the next job. In these instances we return after dark.

This tends to be the most painful time for us. Our clients want service, and the drivers are slowed in their production.

Please use http://www.blade-runners.com/snow as a resource for tenants and residents. If you have concerned people, ask them to read the contents of the site completely. This really helps people understand what you are paying for, and the limitations of the equipment. In addition, they can join the email distributions and get information as to our plans. Don’t worry, we understand that service direction only comes from the appointed manager or contact.

Over the weekend we go into a snow battle mode. All Blade Runners phone numbers are funneled into one service desk. Account managers do not check their email, phone or cell phone. All communication should be responding to the email distribution (snow@blade-runners.com). This is because we are all working around the clock in organized shifts. We also want to be sure requests are properly communicated from one place. We have found this brings better service to our clients.

Let’s all hope this does not turn into a major event and that it is downgraded in the coming days. Blade Runners is in the snow business and of course we like the sales. However, big storms damage equipment, client relationships and generally are no fun!

Thanks very much for your consideration and patience. We will be sending additional emails with specific service plans before, during, and after the event.

Blade Runners, Inc. · 3150 Spring Street · Fairfax, MD 22031