City Encourages Residents to Prepare for Upcoming Winter Storm
Winter Storm Warning In Effect Through Midnight Tonight
With a Winter Storm Warning in effect for the Naperville area on Friday, the City 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. A mobile friendly version is available to view at http://bit.ly/napersnow. All calls regarding the winter storm should be directed to City Dispatch at (630) 420-6187.
Roadway Snow Removal
The City's first priority during a storm event 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. 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 Storm Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Residents are encouraged to visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov for current weather forecasts.
With the forecast also calling for extremely cold temperatures, 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
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.