City reminds residents to prepare for upcoming winter storm

Winter Weather Advisory Has Been Issued for the Area from Thursday Morning through Friday

With the first major snow event of the 2012 winter season expected to take place Thursday through Friday morning, the City of Naperville reminds the public to monitor the latest weather forecasts and make preparations ahead of time to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. The City will make regular updates on plowing efforts on its website at www.naperville.il.us and encourages residents to use the site as a primary source of information. Additionally, residents can search an interactive map by their address for specific snow removal progress at http://gis.naperville.il.us/mashups/snowroutes. All calls regarding the winter storm should be directed to City Dispatch at (630) 420-6187.

“We are excited to provide enhanced communication with residents by debuting the City's interactive snow removal map,” said Department of Public Works Director Dick Dublinski. “We feel that this is a great first step in improved public information during winter storms, and I welcome any feedback from the community on potential process improvements.”

Roadway Snow Removal

The City's first priority during a storm event is a safe roadway system for its residents. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is currently 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. Naperville's goal is to clear all streets within 15 hours after the snow stops falling, but heavier snows often take longer to clear.

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.

A Winter Weather Advisory means that visibilities will be limited due to a combination of falling and blowing snow. Residents are encouraged to visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov for current weather forecasts.

“The safety of residents and employees is the City's top priority,” Community Relations Manager Nadja Lalvani said. “We have been experiencing a mild winter to date, and it is important to remember that severe winter weather can strike at any time. Please plan ahead and make necessary trips now while the weather is still good. If you must travel during this storm, please make sure you have a winter storm survival kit with you.”

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, medications and three-day supply of food and water, available in case the power goes out.

• Stay indoors and dress warmly.

• Conserve fuel.

• If pipes freeze, remove any insulation 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 during inclement weather, 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 special needs.

• Prior to the onset of winter weather, make sure your vehicle is prepared for weather extremes. Check tires, brakes, the battery and your heating and defrosting systems. Change anti-freeze if needed.

When the forecast calls for below normal temperatures and extremely cold windchill factors, the City of Naperville would like to remind residents to take every precaution to ensure their health and safety. The Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street, can be used as a warming center Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Residents can also seek shelter from the cold weather at the following locations:

• County Administrative Buildings

• Shopping Malls

• Libraries

• Township Offices

• Park District Facilities

• Other Public Places

• Senior Centers

A full list of tips can be found in the City's Emergency Preparedness Guide, which is available on the City's website at www.naperville.il.us/emergencyprepguide.aspx.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has developed a preparedness document that includes valuable information about how to prepare a winter storm survival car kit, driving safety tips and how to prepare yourself and your loved ones for a winter storm. This document, along with winter advisory terminology and storm tips from the American Red Cross, is available to view at http://ready.illinois.gov/during/winterstorms.htm.

The City utilizes a variety of communication methods to inform residents and businesses about emergency situations such as winter weather events. Ways to stay connected with the City in these instances include:

• City website www.naperville.il.us

• City Facebook/Twitter accounts at www.facebook.com/NapervilleIL and http://twitter.com/NapervilleIL

• Government access TV station WCNC (Ch. 6 – WOW, Ch. 10 – Comcast and Ch. 99 – AT&T)

• Informational radio station WPFP 1610AM

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.