The City of Chicago Urges Residents To Take Precautions Around Flooding, Falling Ice and Other Dangers Associated With Melting Snow | The Crusader…

As temperatures rise and the city begins to thaw out, the City of Chicago would like to warn residents of the dangers associated with melting snow and ice. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is continuing to coordinate response efforts with the Citys public safety and infrastructure departments and public partners to keep residents safe and informed. Residents seeking City offered services can contact 3-1-1 or visit 311.chicago.gov for assistance.

FLOODING FROM MELTING SNOW

Melting snow and ice can cause severe flooding on streets and damage to homes and businesses. Residents are urged to be aware of possible street flooding. Drivers who encounter a flooded roadway should turn around and not attempt to drive through it water six inches high can severely damage yourvehicle and cause it to stall.A flooded street can also hide dips, debris and other obstructions that can damage your car.

Residents should also be aware that flooding of homes is possible due to the large amount of snow that fell earlier this week. The OEMC and the Department of Water Management (DWM) provides the following tips to prevent flooding in the home:

ICE ON BUILDING STRUCTURES

In extreme temperatures, ice may form on building structures. Residents can take the following steps to prevent ice from building up on homes:

Additionally, property owners and building managers are advised to cordon areas underneath ice buildup and put caution signs warning of these conditions in order to make pedestrians aware of the potential for falling ice. Residents are also cautioned to clear the snow away from front and back porches or decks, as the added weight of snow and ice could compromise these structures.

CLEARING SNOW IN FRONT YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) encourages businesses and residents to continue clearing snow from the sidewalk in front your residence or business and treat surfaces with salt. CDOT would like to remind business & property owners that when clearing snow off their property, it should not be pushed into a marked bike lane, crosswalk or bus stop.

SNOW REMOVAL AND LARGE SNOW PILES

The Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) continues clearing snow from residential streets.Todays forecast of sun will work in favor of melting snow, which will help with relocation efforts.

DSS has crews in every ward removing and relocating snow to predetermined City-owned lots. DSS will prioritize snow piles around schools, hospitals, fire departments and police stations. DSS also has reinforcement equipment coming in to help and will readjust as necessary. Residents are asked to keep children away from the large piles of snow as DSS relocates it. To view the Citys snow fleet in real time visit chicagoshovels.org.

EXTREME WEATHER ALERTS

OEMC issues several alerts and notifications to keep residents up to date on weather conditions and emergencies:

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit our website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook, Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911) using the hashtags #ChicagoOEMC #Smart911 #Chicago911 #BeSafeChicago.

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The City of Chicago Urges Residents To Take Precautions Around Flooding, Falling Ice and Other Dangers Associated With Melting Snow | The Crusader...