Snowfall forecast for Thursday evening; winter storm watch in effect
With the first winter weather event of the 2012-2013 season expected to take place Thursday evening, the City of Naperville reminds residents to monitor the latest weather forecasts and make preparations ahead of time to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
Residents are encouraged to visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov for current weather forecasts or their preferred media outlet. The Naperville area is currently under a Winter Storm Watch from Thursday evening through late Thursday night. A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.
During winter weather events with more than two inches of snowfall, a snow removal status map will be updated at www.naperville.il.us/snowremoval.aspx.
“It’s important to plan ahead and make necessary trips now rather than during the height of winter weather,” Emergency Management Coordinator Dan Nelson said. “Make sure your winter emergency survival kit for your home and car is stocked and ready to go. If you will be traveling during this anticipated snowfall, remember to leave extra time to get to your destination and exercise caution on the roadways.”
Residents should not park their vehicles on the street during winter storms, as it makes snowplowing more difficult and leaves large amounts of snow on the roadway.
The City offers the following tips to stay safe during inclement winter weather:
- Have safe emergency heating equipment available.
- Have disaster supplies, such as a flashlight, portable radio, first aid kit and three-day supply of food, available in case the power goes out.
- Make sure you have an appropriate supply of any medications you may need.
- Stay indoors and dress warmly.
- Conserve fuel.
- If pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold.
- If you must go outdoors, dress warmly and wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance – infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.
A full list of tips can be found in the City’s Emergency Preparedness Guide, which is available at www.naperville.il.us/emergencyprepguide.aspx. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has also developed a preparedness document that includes valuable information about how to prepare a winter storm survival car kit and driving safety tips. This document is available to view at http://tinyurl.com/2emyp4n.
Roadway Snow Removal
The City’s first priority during winter weather is a safe roadway system for its residents. Department of Public Works (DPW) employees will de-ice and plow roadways for as long as is needed using the City’s established priority plowing system. Main traffic routes and thoroughfares are plowed first followed by residential side streets and cul-de-sacs. DPW begins plowing whenever two inches of snow has accumulated on paved surfaces and snow is still falling. DPW staff will monitor the downtown and the train stations with City contractors providing de-icing and plowing services on all sidewalks in that area, parking decks and parking lots.
Residents can assist DPW crews in their efforts by doing the following:
- Residents should not park on the street during a winter snow event. Parked cars are an obstacle to the snow plows. In addition, plowing around parked cars leaves large areas of snow and ice on the roadway.
- Property owners are responsible for plowing commercial parking lots, driveways and public sidewalks adjoining their homes and businesses. Not keeping sidewalks clear is a City code violation.
- Shovel snow from driveways into the parkway and not into the street. This will help to avoid creating dangerously slippery conditions for both motorists and pedestrians. Shoveling snow into the street is a city code violation.
- Shovel out fire hydrants that are in or around your property.
- Clear sidewalks of snow for the safety of pedestrians.
- Uncover your mailbox.
- Help your neighbors. For many residents, age or medical conditions make it difficult to shovel snow without risking health.
Complete snow removal information is available at www.naperville.il.us/snowremoval.aspx.