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SNOW EMERGENCIES
Snow Emergencies are declared when there is a snowfall of 4" or more or if the City Manager determines that a Snow Emergency is in the best interest of the City to facilitate snow removal.
Click here for additional information on Snow Emergencies including posting information.
Additional Topics of interest:
What DPW considers when planning a snow response.
What bothers residents the most?
What can you do to help?
Sidewalk Snow & Ice Removal
What to do if you see snow.
Remove your cars from the street until DPW has been able to plow.
What's a Snow Emergency Parking Ban?
The City will declare a Snow Emergency whenever snow accumulation exceeds four inches (4"). DPW personnel will try to get the information out to area radio and TV stations, on the web site and via social media, but if you see that there is an accumulation of snow, please act accordingly.
Salting and Plowing Policies
Every attempt is made to make streets "passable" for essential vehicle travel. Icing conditions are handled by applying deicing salt; do remember that thawing capabilities of salt are greatly diminished at temperatures below 20 F.
Routing Priority
Top priority is given to high traffic streets and intersections. In certain instances, residential streets are included in a higher priority classification due to particular problems caused by the nature of the terrain or use of the street. There are also instances where lower priority streets are used to access major streets or to speed up "turn-a-round" time for equipment. Areas around Burton Elementary School, the Library and Recreation Center receive higher priority than the streets might otherwise deserve in order to improve the safety of children, traveling to and from schools.
What DPW considers when planning a snow response.
First priority before and during winter storms is aimed at reducing the accumulation of snow on the streets. Major streets are salted first. If time and conditions permit, intersections of these streets and residential streets are then salted. As conditions worsen, and salt becomes less effective or inadequate, plowing, on a priority similar to that of salting, is started. Under normal storm conditions, plowing begins when snow depth reaches three inches (3"). Intensity and the forecast duration of the storm have a major effect on this determination. Residential streets are plowed when snow depth reaches approximately four inches (4") or when conditions dictate. While DPW will always keep Huntington Woods streets safe, with shrinking revenue from State highway funds, we must try to limit overtime plowing for snow falls over 4". At no time will safety be compromised.
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What bothers residents the most?
Plowing of residential streets and "Curbing" is one of the major complaints received by the Department of Public Works. Residents often have their driveways shoveled out prior to our plowing the residential streets resulting in snow plows depositing snow at the end of the driveway. Although it is unfortunate when this occurs, there is no alternative, other than to leave the street in a less than safe condition. Snow removal as close to the curb as possible is necessary to provide safe, snow free streets for their entire width. This also helps open storm drains to allow water somewhere to go as snow melts. This helps prevent flooding and freezing on the road.
* When clearing your driveway, there are several things you can do to reduce the amount of snow that may get piled into your driveway as the road is plowed:
- If possible, clean driveways after we have finished plowing the roads.
- If that is not possible . . . Try to place as much snow as possible in the direction of travel downstream on your side of the road. Clear an area upstream from your driveway opening to form a"pocket" for the snow from the road to go into. The result will be that more of the snow from the clearing of the road will go into the open "pocket" area and less will end up at the end of your driveway.
What can you do to help?
* For safety's sake and greater efficiency, keep streets and sidewalks clear of vehicles, overhanging limbs and debris for plowing and brooming services.
* DON'T PARK YOUR CAR IN THE STREET OR ACROSS THE SIDEWALK during or after a snow fall until the City has plowed and swept the sidewalk.
* Do not shovel snow into the road or onto someone else's property. Your snow in the streets can make the surface uneven and dangerous to drive on. Piling up snow on your neighbor's easement can limit visibility for drivers entering or exiting a driveway.
* Keep recycling carts & trash cans on the easement and out of the street. Placing them in the street is hazardous for drivers, your containers and the plows. Containers on the road can get buried causing them to be unseen or stuck, preventing collection.
Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal
While DPW makes every effort to get sidewalks cleared quickly, roads do take priority and sidewalks won't be cleaned if it involves overtime. Please remember that homeowners are responsible for making sidewalks passable so if there is ice or a delay in getting snow removed by DPW, please address the situation to keep the walkways safe.
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