City: Residents should prepare for winter storm
With a severe winter storm expected to take place Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday, 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.
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Watch from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday. A Blizzard Watch means there is a potential for falling and blowing snow with strong winds and extremely poor visibility. This can lead to whiteout conditions that make travel very dangerous and potentially life threatening. Residents are encouraged to visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov for current weather forecasts.
“I encourage all residents to stay off the roads and stay indoors during this storm if possible,” Public Works Director Dave Van Vooren said. “City plows will have an easier time clearing roadways if they are free of vehicles. With the anticipated 40 to 50 mile per hour winds associated with this storm, snow removal will be more difficult than normal. Please plan ahead and make necessary trips now while the weather is still good. If you absolutely must travel during this storm, please make sure you have a winter storm survival kit with you.”
Residents are reminded that they should not leave their vehicles parked 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.
• 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 this storm event is a safe roadway system for its residents. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is currently coordinating operational plans with all city departments in advance of the blizzard and ensuring all snow removal equipment is up and running.
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.
Warming Centers
During normal business hours, Monday through Friday, residents can seek shelter from winter weather elements at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. Other shelters are available at the following locations:
• County administrative buildings
• Libraries
• Park District facilities
• Senior centers
• Shopping malls
• Township offices
• Other public places
For relief from inclement conditions after hours and on weekends, residents are encouraged to visit any of the city's ten fire stations.
For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville's projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.