Snow Tips for Residents

• Put Safety First and drive only if necessary. Dress warmly and be prepared for travel delays. Make sure you carry blankets, flashlights, water and other emergency provisions.
• Try to keep your vehicle off the street. If you must park on the street, park as close to the curb as possible.
• Don't follow a snowplow or sanding truck too closely. They may stop suddenly or spray sand, rocks or other material.
• Do not sled on streets or sidewalks.
• Before traveling, pay close attention to weather forecasts and, if possible, please stay off roads and sidewalks when snow, sleet or freezing rain is forecast.
• For storm information concerning school and business delays or closing please tune in to local television or radio stations.

Take it Slow

Protect yourself and your passengers. Allow extra time to reach your destination during inclement weather. Do not be the driver who has an accident.

• Drive for conditions - slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking in winter conditions.
• Use your headlights.
• Don't use cruise control.
• Four and all-wheel drive vehicles will not stop or steer better in icy conditions.
• Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. And remember, larger vehicles and big trucks take longer to stop.
• Slow down when approaching intersections, hills, bridges or shady spots.
• Brush the snow off your vehicle, especially your lights, before you drive. It makes you more visible; plus snow and ice flying off a vehicle can be dangerous to other drivers. Every year several drivers get in vehicle crashes because they fail to properly clear their windows of ice.
• If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it until it is safe to pass. Remember that a snowplow driver has a limited field of vision. Stay back (15 car lengths) until you're sure it is safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

If you absolutely have to travel, making sure the car is prepared in advanced may avoid unnecessary delays. Make an annual checklist to review in October with the following items:

• Tune-Up
• Brakes
• Antifreeze
• Belts, hoses, filters and oil.
• Battery
• Any leaks
• Lights
• Windshield wipers
• Windshield washer fluid
• Fuel level
• Heater/defroster function
• Ice scraper
• Blankets
• Bag of sand or kitty litter
• Cell phone and charger
• Proper tires and inflation
• Chains (Talk to your local tire dealer about which chains are the best fit for your vehicle and practice installing them)