COUNTY SNOW EMERGENCYIf travel on county roads becomes impractical or impossible due to winter weather, the County Commissioners may declare a "winter storm emergency" which closes the county roads to public travel.
NOTE: The declaration will apply only to roads owned and maintained by Hamilton County. The declaration will not apply to city streets or state and federal highways. The media will be advised as soon as an emergency is declared.
1. While the emergency is in effect you cannot operate a vehicle on a county road unless:
a) It is a snowmobile
b) It is equipped with traction devices
c) It is engaged in an emergency response
d) It is performing road clearing operations
e) The road has been cleared and is passable
2. If your vehicle becomes inoperable or stranded on a county road you must notify the Sheriff's Department of its location and description of the vehicle.
3. It is also illegal to push, place or deposit snow from any source onto a county road.
Violation of any of those three items could get you a fine.
By restricting travel on county roads, the need for rescue and towing is reduced, leaving more resources to work at clearing the roads with the least amount of delay. Every effort will be made to get the roads cleared and reopened as soon as possible.
It is not the policy of Hamilton County to provide employers with written excuses for their employees who miss work when a county snow emergency has been declared. However, Hamilton County can provide documentation of the times and extent of the snow emergency.
Document for 02-14-07WINTER TRAVEL TIPSKeep your vehicle stocked with essential winter survival supplies.
Use this list as a starter and add to it as needed:
- Sleeping bag or blankets
- Thermos of warm drink
- Extra clothing and boots
- Non-perishable food
- Clean containers
- Jumper cables
- First aid kit
- Fire starter
- Cell phone
- Tow rope
- Flashlight
- Medicine
- Tissue
- Sand bags
Keep the vehicle in good running condition including a full tank of fuel. Before departure, learn road conditions along your route. Keep windows clear of ice and snow. If you become stuck, stay with the vehicle, tie a red distress flag to the antenna and exercise some to keep warm, but do not over exert yourself.
