A significant weather event was declared by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent at 8:03 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2020.
Public Works officials say today’s winter storm is forecasted to continue producing snow mixed with high winds.
Snow squalls are making driving conditions extremely dangerous, Public Works officials added.
The Municipality has deployed all resources to clear the roads since early this morning.
Due to regulatory requirements outlining limits for hours of work, there will be a period of time overnight and into the morning that roads could be difficult to drive on, Public Works officials say.
“Drifting snow can cause recently cleared roads to become challenging to navigate,” stated Ryan Brown, director of Public Works, in a press release.
“Please plan to stay at home wherever possible, or if you must travel, please allow extra time and drive with extra caution.”
Municipal officials say a significant weather event is declared under O. Reg. 239/02: Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways when a municipality is unable to meet its level of service due to safety regulations governing hours of work.
Roads staff began working early this morning and need to rest, Municipal officials added.
All available contracted resources are deployed to keep arterial (main roads) cleared overnight.
Full resources will be redeployed at 1 a.m. on December 2, 2020.
“With the severe weather, we ask you to please make way for snowplows,” Public Works officials added.
“If you see salters or plows working, please give them space. Do not follow too closely or try to pass.”
Public Works officials issued a reminder on Tuesday afternoon about the Chatham-Kent by-law, which requires property owners to salt sidewalks.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent maintains over 3,463 kms of roadway, 410 kms of sidewalks, bus stops, bridges, and pedestrian crossovers, Public Works officials say.
In the winter, the Municipality plows all sidewalks in Chatham-Kent.
The Public Works Department is reminding residents that although the Municipality plows all sidewalks in Chatham-Kent, property owners are required to de-ice sidewalks surrounding their property within 48 hours following a snowfall as per Municipal By-law No. 178-2019.
Certain downtown areas are salted by the Municipality.
A map of these areas can be found on our website at www.chatham-kent.ca.
When out shovelling, please take a moment to clear any drains adjacent to your property, especially during melting conditions, Public Works officials say.
Blocked catch basins may result in excess water along the road area, which can become dangerous if it subsequently freezes.
Blocked catch basins may also result in flooding of adjacent properties depending on the extent of the blockage and the amount of melting snow.
“When you are out shovelling and salting, please also consider lending a hand to your neighbour,” Brown said in a press release.
“There are some people in our community who may have difficulty clearing snow and ice and could use a helping hand. Please make private arrangements if you need help, and also if you expect to be away from home during the winter season. Thank you for doing your part to be a good neighbour and for helping to keep our community safe.”
Public Works officials have offered some tips for shovelling snow:
– Cold, tight muscles are prone to injury, so try going for a brisk walk, marching in place or doing any other full-body activity before shovelling.
– Pace yourself by removing small amounts of snow frequently instead of removing a large pile all at once.
– Shovel snow into your yard, not onto the street. Excess snow shovelled onto the street can become an obstacle and create unsafe conditions.
– Spread rock salt on your driveway to increase traction and reduce accidents.
– Take a 10 or 15-minute break during shovelling and stretch out your arms, shoulders and back to keep them warm and flexible.
– Use an ergonomic snow shovel with a curved or adjustable handle to make snow removal easier.
– Use the shovel to push snow to one side rather than lifting it. If lifting is necessary, bend your knees to take the strain off your back.
– Wear shoes or boots with good treads to minimize the risk of slipping.
