Preparing for Winter Storms
Key things to know
1) Always directly report timely street issues and power outages.
Always call in outages or other timely storm related issues to our 24 hour line to help us know where there are storm related issues. First dial the general garage line, 513-785-7550, then select option 1 for power outages or 5 for streets. Always call 911 for gas odors or downed electric lines that may be energized.
2) Follow the guidance of current Butler County Snow Emergency designations.
The current snow emergency designation and additional information can be found at: www.butlersheriff.org/general-info/snow-emergency/
3) Not needing to travel is the best way to prepare for a winter storm.
One of the most important things our residents can do to assist with winter storm events is to prepare in advance of the storm and limit travel during the winter storm. This clears streets to allow for snow plow operations and emergency response for utilities and public safety. If you do need to travel during a winter storm make sure to use additional caution and give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination.
Get real time treatment info with Snow Informer
Did you know that you can see when streets were last treated with our Snow Informer web app? Additionally, you can learn more about our first and second priority system for treatments and about other related FAQs all in one place.
What you can do to help.
When possible, move cars off the street just before a snow event.
Do not pile snow to the left of the driveway when facing the street or block mailboxes.
Do not shovel snow out into the street.
Assist with clearing snow surrounding fire hydrants and storm drains near your home.
Maintain a distance of more than 100 feet behind and avoid passing plow trucks.
When digging a car out that is parked on the street, place snow on the curb, not in the street.
Do not park in cul-de-sacs or dead ends, plows have limited options of where the snow can be placed in these areas.
Limit trips around town while it is actively snowing and plowing operations are in progress.
If you do have to go out, be patient and give yourself plenty of extra time to make your destination.
What we do to prepare for a snow event.
We keep plenty of salt in reserve for winter storms. Fun fact we typically buy our bulk salt by contracting in the Summer through a cooperative of up to 100 other municipalities. This ensures that we receive the best pricing for the entire snow season.
Ahead of snow events we service and prepare each plow truck to ensure they are good working order.
Leading up to a snow event, staff are scheduled in rotating 12 hour shifts and will continue until the storm has passed and all streets have been treated and/or cleared.
We always start with Primary streets (bridges, hills and heavily traveled roadways) in each assigned snow removal route that get first priority, once those are treated, then the drivers will move to secondary streets (typical residential low traffic areas). All streets will be revisited as necessary throughout a storm event.
In the event of a disaster of such magnitude that assistance is needed for recovery, the City participates in a mutual aid program that provides necessary materials, equipment, and appropriately qualified personnel to assist in those efforts.