A major winter storm is possible this week, the first of the new season, and area communities will be working to clear snow through Wednesday.
Fire Department Requests:
Area fire departments are asking for the public’s help to keep hydrants clear of snow so they can have access to them in case of fire.
The Knoxville, Pella, and Indianola Fire Departments are each asking businesses and the public to help them out by “adopting” a hydrant and clearing at least three feet around it.
Knoxville Fire Chief Cal Wyman both says valuable time can be lost if firefighters have to spend time at a fire scene digging out a hydrant, and it’s much more efficient to have someone who lives or works nearby keep them clear.
“We try to pay attention to different hydrants, especially in, some areas where we know it could be an issue,” Chief Wyman says. “And if we have to, we’ll try to get them cleaned off as soon as we can; but we’re not as quick getting to them as somebody that lives right there would be.”
Chief Wyman says you should take care when working on a hydrant; a snowblower or plow is good for clearing out large spaces, but can damage the pipes or fixtures, so the snow on or near a hydrant should be cleared away by hand, using shovels or brooms.
Marion County Snow Clearing Policy:
Marion County Engineer Tyler Christian says that per their ordinance, county-owned motor graders and snow plows will not be in operation after 8:00 pm and will not begin before 4:00 am during snow events.
“A lot of days we are putting in 16 hour days plowing snow, but our guys do need some rest and we build that into the ordinance for them to take our break and get home and see their families for a little bit during the day. But just want to remind people that we’ll start at 4 am and on our typical overnight snow, we can get over the routes almost twice before we start to see the bulk of the commuter traffic.”
If conditions are too hazardous, snow removal operations may be suspended until they are deemed safe to resume. Roads may only have one lane plowed for a period of time and after all roads have been opened to two-lane travel, snow removal will only be carried out during normal working hours.
Knoxville Ordinance:
The City of Knoxville is reminding citizens to move vehicles off of the street when snow or ice is expected.
According to the Knoxville Police Department, vehicles need to be moved out of the street when one inch or more of snow or a layer of ice is in the forecast. Doing this ensures that snow plows have access to both travel portions of the road. Knoxville Police Department Community Service Officer Meredith Clark says there is an option for those who don’t have room for their vehicle.
“When we do have a snow ordinance that goes into effect and you don’t have room in your driveway for the amount of vehicles that you have, we do allow people to park in their front yards while there is a snow ordinance in effect. That way the plows can get through and do their jobs without having vehicles on the street that make it harder for them.”
Parking in the right of way which is the yard between the street and sidewalk is not permitted.
Pella Ordinance:
Driven by credible weather forecasts or actual accumulation, a snow emergency in Pella is first declared by the Public Works Director. The Chief of Police then alerts the public on 92.1 KRLS. Citizens can also register to receive e-mail or text notifications by visiting the City’s website at www.cityofpella.com and clicking on “Notify Me”.
The purpose of the snow ordinance is to clear streets, alleys, and parking lots of parked vehicles by the appointed time; thereby allowing city workers to clear snow and ice from these areas quickly and completely. During a snow emergency, vehicles parked on a city street, alley, or designated parking lot may be issued a parking citation. The police department is authorized to tow violators. Owners of towed vehicles are responsible for penalties and costs associated with the original violation and the subsequent tow. Every city street is designated as a snow route; and vehicles may not impede or block traffic during a snow emergency.
As a reminder, property owners are required to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall ceases. Those responsible for snow and ice removal are not allowed to blow, push, or place any of the snow or ice upon a city street or city right-of-way.
The public is notified when the parking ban is lifted through 92.1 KRLS.
Indianola Ordinance:
The City of Indianola wants to remind residents of their snow ordinance policy, and the parking restrictions that go along with the ordinance being put in place.
The City of Indianola issues a proactive notification of their snow ordinance going into effect if the forecast indicates two inches of snow or more is probable, and is in place until streets are plowed and cleared. Public Works Director Akhilesh “AP” Pal tells KNIA News vehicles are not allowed to be parked on city streets during the snow ordinance, and during the snow removal effort vehicles may be ticketed and/or towed to allow for safe and efficient plow operations. Pal also said cars being on the streets is a safety hazard for not only property, but for the snow plow drivers as well, and can significantly delay the streets being cleared.
For more information, click below.
https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/90/Snow-Ordinance-PDF?bidId=