During the winter season, it is important to be weather aware and prepared as weather conditions can change in a matter of minutes in the midwest.
Phase II of the Emergency Snow Ordinance
Declared when 2+ inches of snow has fallen and/or a significant amount is expected. Upon declaration, all vehicles parked on Emergency Snow Routes must be removed within two hours or they may be subject to ticketing or towing. The removal of all vehicles from emergency routes allows street crews to efficiently and effectively conduct plowing routes. For more information, visit the snow operations page.
Sidewalk Snow Removal
Residents are reminded that owners or occupants of a real property fronting upon a street, parkway, boulevard or public space have the responsibility to remove ice and snow from the sidewalks on front of and alongside the property (Section 25-78 of the Code of Ordinances)
Cold Weather Safety
Try to stay indoors as much as possible and make sure to bundle up in multiple layers if you do have to head outdoors. Make sure to also keep these tips in mind:
- Check on your neighbors, friends and family members to make sure they are okay.
- Pets need to be brought indoors.
- Drip your faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Make sure your car kit is stocked and fill up your tank in case you become stranded.
- Adjust your schedule so you are not outside during the coldest part of the day.
- Hypothermia: shivering, exhaustion or feeling very tired, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness
- Frostbite: redness or pain, white or grayish-yellow skin, skin which feels unusually firm or waxy and numbness