County Officials Remind Residents about Precautions to Take During a Winter Storm to Protect Themselves and Their Families
Pictured above, one of the snowplows operated by the Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities.
MAYVILLE, N.Y.:--With Chautauqua County expected to receive heavy snow in the next few days, Chautauqua County Officials are reminding residents to please use caution.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo currently has a Lake Effect Snow Warning in effect from Wednesday night through Thursday night for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. Heavy lake effect snow is expected with total snow accumulations of 7 to 14 inches in the most persistent lake snows.
“With this storm, drivers should be prepared for areas of snow-covered roads and poor visibility,” said Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone. “If you must travel, drivers are urged to slow down and use caution when traveling on slick or snow-covered roads. It is always best to plan ahead and account for extra travel time if you absolutely must drive during adverse weather conditions.”
Drivers are reminded to:
- Postpone or cancel non-essential trips if travel conditions are hazardous and obey travel bans;
- Clean off all snow and ice from their vehicles by making sure snow and frost is removed from the windshield, windows and side mirrors; compacted snow is removed from the wheel wells; and snow is removed from the headlights and taillights so they can be seen by other drivers;
- Reduce their speeds when roads are slick or visibility is reduced, and turn on their headlights so they can be seen by other drivers;
- Keep parked vehicles off the roadways and shoulders of the road;
- Update the emergency kit in their vehicles so it includes a shovel, snowbrush, windshield scraper, reflective vest, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, cell phone charger or battery pack, water, snack food, matches, first aid kit with a pocket knife, necessary medications, blankets, tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares, florescent distress flag, and extra hats, socks and mittens;
- Remember to bring a cell phone when travelling so it can be used in case of an emergency;
- Call the Sheriff’s Office or other law enforcement agencies to notify them if your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road; and
- Keep the gas tank at least half full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
The Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Division of Transportation will also be out plowing and salting county-owned roads.
“The County’s plow drivers will be out in full force clearing roads and putting down salt,” said Tim Card, Department of Public Facilities Director. “As our crews are out, I encourage drivers to please not add to the hazards of wintertime driving. Drivers should always use extra caution near snowplows by reducing their speed and keeping a safe distance.”
Drivers are required to stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow. Drivers should also not attempt to pass a snowplow as they create a cloud of snow that can obscure vision and the road conditions in front of the plow will likely be worse.
The Department of Public Facilities also encourages residents to clear snow from around their mailboxes and inspect and, if necessary, replace their mailbox posts to ensure they can withstand winter conditions. Mailboxes physically hit and damaged by snowplows will be repaired, but mailboxes that break from the force of the snow coming off the plow will not be fixed.
In addition, when clearing your driveway, it is unlawful to push or brush snow into the roadway. This creates a dangerous situation for motorists.
“By giving our area plow drivers room to clear the roads, being respectful and patient when we are travelling, and using caution during adverse travel conditions, we can all help create a safe winter driving season,” said PJ Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive.
Significant snowfall and the potential for blowing and drifting snow can also increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is referred to as the silent killer because it is colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating. If snow blocks furnace or hot water tank vents, it can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate indoors. At high levels, this gas can cause suffocation, loss of consciousness, brain damage or death.
“It is important that individuals take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Noel Guttman, Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services Director. “This means making sure they have working carbon monoxide detectors in their homes and that their furnace and hot water tank vents are not blocked by snow.”
Portable generators can also be a source of carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a portable generator inside a home, basement or any enclosed or semi-enclosed structure. It should be placed outside and away from windows and doors of any nearby building.
For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning visit https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/carbon_monoxide/ .
The Office of Emergency Services also reminds residents to keep their house numbers visible so first responders can quickly locate a home in the event of an emergency. Residents should remove snow from around the numbers in both directions and be sure to use reflective numbers that show up at night.
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