Winter: Snow, Ice & Home Safety

Road Treatment & Priority Levels
The Department of Public Works maintains over 5,000 tons of salt and a fleet of brine trucks. We treat roads on a tiered priority system:

• Priority 1 (Red): Emergency life-safety routes. Access to hospitals (Erlanger, Memorial, Parkridge), Fire/Police stations, and major arterial hills.
• Priority 2 (Blue): Secondary "feeder" roads and CARTA bus routes.
• Priority 3 (Green): Residential collectors. Note: Most neighborhood side streets are only treated if Priority 1 and 2 are fully clear and conditions persist.
• The "Move Your Car" Rule: During a snow event, residents are urged to move cars off the street. This allows plows to clear the full width of the road and prevents your vehicle from being "plowed in."

Home Heating & CFD "3-Foot Rule"
Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in Hamilton County.

• The 3-Foot Buffer: Keep anything that can burn (curtains, furniture, bedding) at least three feet away from space heaters and fireplaces.
• Plug Direct: Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip; they are not designed for the high current and can ignite.
• The Oven Warning: Never use a gas oven to heat your home. This is a primary cause of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning in our area.
• Generator Safety: Portable generators must stay outside, at least 20 feet from the house. Never run one in a garage, even with the door open.

Vulnerable Populations & Pets

• Warming Centers: Typically triggered when temperatures drop below 32°F.
  • Primary Contact: Office of Homelessness (423-643-7677).
  • Key Locations: CHATT Foundation and designated City Community Centers.
• Call for Help: Use the TBI Wellness Check Hotline (1-800-TBI-FIND) to request a check on an elderly neighbor.
• Pet Law: Per City Ordinance, if it is below 35°F, pets must be brought inside or provided with extra insulation (like straw) in a dry, 4-walled shelter.