Weather and Emergency Preparedness
Snow-removal information, winter travel resources and resident responsibilities.
WINTER WEATHER SAFETY
Iowa Department of Transportation Travel Information
The City crews attempt to keep streets passable; however, depending on the type, nature and duration of a storm, streets may be slippery or at times impassable. Residents are urged to use caution when it is necessary to be on City streets during a snowstorm or during snow removal operations.
A loaded plow truck or sander truck weighs as much as 10 small cars, and needs more room to stop, especially on slick surfaces. Even if you have the right of way, the snow plow may not be able to stop if you pull out. If you wait a few more seconds, you will have a plowed and sanded surface on which to drive. Also remember the sand truck spreads material out of the back, so please don’t follow too closely; we don’t want your vehicle to be damaged by flying sand and material.
With your help, snow plowing can be done better, faster and more efficiently, making our streets safer for you. We are always here to serve you better.
Additional Information for Residents:
- Snow must be removed from sidewalks within 10 daylight hours after a snowfall.
- Snow-filled driveways often result from clearing streets. This is unavoidable due to the nature of the snow removal process. The City does not clean driveways.
- Mailbox damage can be a casualty of winter. Please contact the City Office to report any suspected damage from snow removal equipment.
EMERGENCY SIRENS
Sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:00am.
Sirens are also activated if the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for this area or if an actual sighting occurs by a public safety official.
Remember: City sirens are meant to be an “outdoor warning system.” They are not intended to be heard in every home or building. The sirens blow for three minutes and indicate that a “life threatening” condition exists. The sirens are not blown to indicate an “all clear” signal. If they are blown a second or third time it means that another life threatening condition exists. TAKE COVER!
Please do not call the emergency dispatch center during storms unless you need emergency services, or need to report emergency or weather-related information. Unnecessary inquiry calls take emergency personnel away from necessary activities.