Snow & Ice Control
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Operations
The city’s removal operations goal is to clear the most highly traveled roadways and major streets to facilitate traffic moving in and out of the city. Emergency travel for fire, emergency medical, and police personnel is the biggest snow removal priority. This is why primary streets are cleared first. The next priority is to clear secondary streets, including subdivisions and cul-de-sac streets. Alleys are cleared last because they carry the least amount of traffic. Because each snow/ice storm is different, there is careful planning to decide how to handle snow removal operations for each event. The number of trucks assigned and the plan implemented during any given storm is dependent on the severity of the storm.
PPM receives many calls about snow being plowed into driveways. Although the city’s plows often leave snow across driveway entrances, the plows try to keep it to a minimum. This snow removal is the responsibility of the residents. Putting snow from driveways into the city streets is illegal and creates a hazard for drivers and a liability for the responsible party. When clearing your driveway apron, it’s best to pile snow past the driveway in the direction of travel. A common request related to this is asking that the driver turn or lift the plow blade at driveways. Since our main goal is to open the primary roads as soon as possible, lifting of blades at each driveway would slow down the snow removal operation significantly and leave snow on the road that may in turn be a hazard.
Citizens and plowing contractors should NOT shovel, plow, or blow snow onto or across any City street. This delays the process of clearing the streets and is prohibited under City Ordinance 521.06 and Ohio Revised Code 4511.74.
Please note that the City does not clear sidewalks of snow and ice. It is the responsibility of the property owner to keep their sidewalks clear for the enjoyment of all.A
City Ordinance 351.14 SNOW EMERGENCY Whenever during any period of twelve hours or less, snow falls in the City or in a section thereof, to a depth of three inches or more, an emergency is declared to exist in that such a heavy storm constitutes a serious public hazard impairing transportation.
For announcements, please visit the City of Wooster's Facebook page via the link below or tune into MCTV channel 10.
The county sheriff, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code, may declare a snow emergency and temporarily close state routes and municipal streets within their jurisdiction when action is reasonably necessary for the prevention of the public peace.
Levels
Level 1 Alert
Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy. Drive very cautiously.
Level 2 Alert
Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
Level 3 Alert
ALL roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling may subject themselves to arrest under 2917.13 of the Ohio Revised Code. This offense is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
Announcements
For current snow emergency levels, visit the Wayne County Sheriff's Facebook via the link below. You can also find out the current level by calling 330-287-7744, or by listening to WQKT radio 104.5 FM or watching MCTV channel 10.
Clear all vehicle windows before driving, give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, make sure that your tires are in good condition, buckle-up and always keep a safe distance from other vehicles, including plow trucks.