Edgerton Public Works crews are preparing for a potential major snowstorm. Crews will begin working 12 hour shifts starting Tuesday night.
If there is a snowfall of two inches or more, residents must remove their vehicles from the street under Edgerton’s Municipal Code within two hours to allow plows to clear the roads. If a vehicle is not removed, the sheriff’s office will be notified and the vehicle may be towed at the owner’s expense. The City will post information declaring a snow event on Edgertonks.org and on our official Facebook and Twitter pages. Vehicles should remain off the road until the end of the event is declared.
Residents are also responsible for clearing sidewalks on their property within 48 hours after the snowfall ends.
Preparation
Regardless of where you live or work, the most important thing to do right now is to prepare. Here are some tips to help from FEMA:
Know what to do.
Severe winter weather can quickly change your daily routines at home and work and can last for several hours to days. So it’s important to know what to do if a storm is headed your way.
- Monitor local media and weather forecasts to stay up to date on the storm and actions to take as conditions can change quickly;
- Become familiar with important weather terms, such as winter storm watches and warnings.
- Decide what you will do to weather the storm. For example, what if you are stranded at home or on the road? How will your family reunite if separated by because of weather conditions? Do you have food and supplies on hand to survive for at least three days, especially without power?
- Check conditions BEFORE you travel. Don’t hit the roads or head to an airport unless you know there is a good chance your trip can safely proceed.
- For more ideas of how to make an emergency plan, go to: www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.
Gather emergency supplies for your home
Include a three-day supply of food and water for each person, as well as personal essentials such as medicine and clothing, a battery-powered radio, extra flashlights and batteries, and first-aid items.
Make a kit of emergency supplies for your vehicle
It’s best to avoid traveling by car when there is a threat of dangerous weather. If it’s unavoidable, make sure to have emergency supplies in the vehicle. These supplies should include the same essentials as you have at home, plus the following:
- Adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm. Don’t forget mittens, scarves, hats;
- Sand to improve traction;
- A snow shovel;
- Cash (ATMs won’t work without power);
- A full tank of gas before the storm arrives.
Follow the directions provided by local, state or tribal officials regarding emergency actions
If you are told to stay off the roads, don’t venture out. Shelter in place at your home or business.
Lastly, check on your neighbors or friends, particularly those who are vulnerable or need extra support. Older adults and individuals who are dependent on life-sustaining medical equipment or assistive devices such as a ventilator or mobility devices, may need additional support in areas that have lost power.
Other Important Tips:
Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents. Read and follow instructions on the generator label and in the owner’s manual. Any electrical cables you use with the generator should be free of damage and suitable for outdoor use.
Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Burning charcoal or using camp stoves can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide that can result in deaths.
Stay away from downed wires, including cable TV feeds. They may be live with deadly voltage.
Use caution with candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.
Practice food safety. If you do lose power, some food may have to be discarded. For a list of what to keep or toss, go to www.foodsafety.gov.
Cold Weather Driving Tips
If you need to get out during winter weather, AAA has some tips to help you stay safe:
- Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more.
- Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
- Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
- Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
- Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
The City of Edgerton wants everyone to stay safe this winter season.
