City of Toledo Prepares For Snowfall

With an accumulation of snow in the forecast, the city of Toledo has begun preparations for the storm, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said today.

In advance of the snow storm, city crews applied brine to main routes, hauled salt to both city salt barns, installed plows on small city trucks, and inspected all large plows.

Crews will continue to work in 12-hour continuous shifts during the storm until roads have been cleared. Streets, Bridges, and Harbor employees, operating a fleet of 60 plows, will be clearing and treating roads and bridges during the snow storm. More city employees could be called in to help clear streets downtown and in residential neighborhoods. The city clears 33 “Phase 1” (main roadway) routes. Private contractors have been put on notice that they may be hired to clear residential streets in the city.

“Crews will work around the clock until streets are clear,” Mayor Kapszukiewicz said. “Residents are asked to assist keeping roads passable by moving parked vehicles from streets where possible and planning ahead. Keeping streets clear of parked vehicles is a tremendous help in the snow removal process.”

An explanation of snow emergency levels can be found at: http://co.lucas.oh.us/533/Snow-Emergency-Levels. Information the city snow removal policy can be found at: https://toledo.oh.gov/services/public-service/streets-bridges-harbor/snow-ice-control/.

Residents and business owners are reminded that they are responsible for maintaining sidewalks in a manner that makes it safe for pedestrians. Snow removal companies and property owners are prohibited from putting snow from their property onto public roadways.

At times, during a snow emergency, the city’s public safety director may implement a parking ban on streets on the Toledo Area Transit Authority bus routes/snow emergency routes. Snow emergency routes are listed here.

If a Level Three Snow Emergency is ever issued before 8 a.m., the city’s Public Utilities Customer Call Center will be closed. The Engage Toledo Call Center, 419-936-2020, will remain open 24 hours a day, even during a Level Three Snow Emergency. The center places an emphasis on taking calls related to water emergencies, such as water main breaks and other critical issues. Residents are encouraged to call Engage Toledo to report a water main break.

Mayor Kapszukiewicz encouraged Toledoans to sign up for Toledo Alerts to receive city of Toledo and Lucas County emergency alerts. In the event of a snow emergency, an alert may be sent to the phone number and email address you provide. Sign up at http://bit.ly/2hiI1oN.

Residents are also reminded it is especially important to make sure homes are heated safely this time of year. The National Fire Prevention Association says half of home heating fires occur during the months of December, January, and February. Reduce the risk of winter fire hazards. Never use an oven to heat your home. Space heaters bring fire hazards to clothing, furniture, curtains, and other household items.

Turn off portable heaters before leaving the room or going to sleep. Plug space heaters directly into an electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip. Plug only one space heater into an electrical outlet at one time. Use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters. Use space heaters with an automatic shut-off feature. Keep children at least three feet away from portable space heaters.