2008 Press Release: Winter Preparedness

For immediate release
February 12, 2008

While severe winter weather continues to impact Des Plaines, it may be beneficial for residents to understand some of the procedures in place by the City, as well, as find out what individuals can do to protect their own health and welfare:

Des Plaines, along with many other northwest suburban Chicagoland communities, continues to face a rock salt shortage crisis. Des Plaines Public Works Director Matt Dusckett reports that the City currently has enough salt on hand to respond to 8-10 small (less than 2" accumulation) or 4-6 larger (over 2" accumulation) snow events. This should be ample for the remainder of an average season, but this season has been above average to this point. The seasonal average over the past six years has included five additional snow events through spring. This year’s weather forecast for February/March predicts the potential for above-average precipitation, surpassing previous years’ snowfall.

The storm on February 5 and 6, 2008 included a substantial amount of sleet/freezing rain, which has left a compacted ice base on the street surfaces. The plows were able to clear the snow and spread a conservative mixture of salt/sand, but many secondary streets still need additional scraping from the plow blades to help break up the ice. Public Works crews have been advised to conserve salt usage. The snow routes will be salted conservatively and the secondary streets will only receive salt at the intersections. Staff has further been instructed to mix the existing salt with sand and liquid chloride, which in theory should double the amount.

According to Public Works Director Matt Dusckett, several contacts have been made to out-of-state salt suppliers who are willing to supply salt at $110 per ton, which is almost three times the cost the City paid under the state contract ($38 per ton).

"We’re continually monitoring our salt supply and the forecast and will make a determination as to whether we need to purchase additional salt at these rates. If the forecast is such that it looks like we will need the additional supply immediately, we will recommend the purchase," Dusckett said.

Public Works and Emergency Service Officials remind residents that when there is snowfall of over 2 inches, it is unlawful to park any vehicle or to allow any vehicle to remain parked on any snow route until snow removal operations are completed. It is also unlawful to place snow (by shovel, snow blower or plow) on cleared streets. Residents are requested to place snow on parkways. In addition, Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini reminds motorists that it is unlawful to park vehicles in parking lots operated by the City between the hours of 1:00 am and 5:00 am at any time after snow on the surface of the parking lot exceeds two inches in depth.

According to the Public Works Director Matt Dusckett, "Our residents’ complete cooperation and patience with City Departments during snow plowing operations will enhance our snowplowing program for the entire City."

The following outlines the order in which salting and snow removal operations occur in the City of Des Plaines:

1. Public Safety Facilities

2. Arterial roadways & central business district

3. Roadways adjacent to schools

4. Secondary Streets

5. Alleys, dead end streets, & cul-de-sacs

The Des Plaines Public Works Department plows all streets in Des Plaines EXCEPT the following State of Illinois, County and Mount Prospect Routes:

State of Illinois

Algonquin Road west of Wolf Road
Ballard Road
Central Road
Dempster Street east of Rand Road
Devon Avenue
Elmhurst Road
Golf Road
Higgins Road
Potter Road
Rand Road west of Elk Blvd
River Road
Touhy Avenue
Wolf Road south of Cumberland Circle and north of Central Road

Cook County

Dempster/Thacker Street west of Wolf Road
East River/Bender Road
Joseph J. Schwab/Campground Road
Mount Prospect Road
Potter Road

Village of Mount Prospect

Central Road west of Wolf Road

When the snow begins to thaw residents can assist their Public Works Department by reporting any storm drains blocked by ice and/or snow that causes street flooding to 847-391-5464. Crews continually monitor this situation during the winter months, but appreciate residents’ assistance.

During large snowfalls, the Public Works and Fire Departments work together to ensure that fire hydrants are cleared of snow in a timely manner. Generally, when the Public Works Department receives a call regarding a blocked/snow covered fire hydrant they send out a crew to clear the hydrant if manpower is available. If they are unable to respond the request is relayed to the Fire Department who clear the snow.

In addition, Fire Department personnel are instructed to routinely drive through their districts clearing snow on an as needed basis. Public Works and Fire Department personnel have also installed hydrant flags on some of the hydrants that are located in areas more likely to be buried by plows, such as along Mt. Prospect Road & River Road.

The Fire Department encourages residents to assist City operations by clearing snow from around the hydrants located near their homes. The Department has launched a public relations campaign "Adopt a Hydrant" where residents agree to maintain the area around the fire hydrant near their home year round. Residents are encouraged to participate in the program by calling 847-391-5340.

According to Des Plaines Fire Chief Randy Jaeger, there have been occasions in the past during extreme snowfalls, where the Fire Department has hired back crews to specifically clear snow from hydrants if warranted. This year the Fire Department has not had the need to do so. "Public Works and Fire Department staff continue to explore the feasibility and obtain pricing on additional options for identifying hydrants such as flags, markers, or signs," Jaeger commented.

Residents and businesses are reminded that it is imperative that addresses be well lit, visible and legible from the street. The numbers, which should be Arabic numerals, a minimum of 4 inches high and a minimum width of .5 inch, should be in contrast with the background making them more visible to emergency personnel.

During the City’s most recent bout with winter weather Des Plaines Police Department personnel passed out fliers to businesses along Oakton Street, between River Road and Wolf Road, reminding them of their responsibility for clearing sidewalks and public ways adjacent to their property. In addition, Police Department personnel patrolled the snow routes throughout the City and ticketed vehicles violating the City’s snow route ordinance.

"The safety, health and welfare of our residents is our number one concern at all times and particularly during this winter season City Departments work together to secure these qualities of life," Police Chief Prandini said.

Also dedicated to serving the needs of the City’s residents, Des Plaines’ Director of Health and Human Services Kathy Puetz reminds the community that the following locations will be available for use as warming centers should the need arise:

Des Plaines Public Library
1501 Ellinwood St
9:00 am – 9:00 pm, Monday – Friday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sunday

Des Plaines Senior Center
515 E. Thacker St.
8:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday

Frisbie Community Center
52 E. Northwest Highway
8:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday

Des Plaines Park District’s Prairie Lakes Community Center
515 E. Thacker St.
6:00 am – 10:30 pm, Monday-Thursday
6:00 am – 9:30 pm, Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday

Elk Grove Township
2400 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, Illinois
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday

Randhurst Shopping Center
999 Elmhurst Rd., Mt. Prospect,
10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Monday-Friday
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Saturday
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday

Golf Mill Shopping Center
239 Golf Mill Center, Niles
10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Monday-Saturday
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday

Inquiries regarding shelters after hours should be directed to the Emergency Management Agency at 847-391-5396. Puetz further explains that the City’s Health and Human Services Division maintains a list of snow removal resources available for a fee to those in need. Residents should call 847-391-5480 for more information.

According to City Manager Jason Bajor, with several more weeks of winter remaining, City Departments will continue to monitor winter conditions and strive to provide the best service to the Des Plaines community.

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