Des Plaines

Des Plaines Snow Removal After two inches of snowfall has accumulated, it is against the law to park on any snow route until snow is removed. It is also against the law to place snow on cleared streets. Public Works and Emergency Service Officials remind residents that when there is snowfall of over 2 inches, it is unlawful to park any vehicle or to allow any vehicle to remain parked on any snow route until snow removal operations are completed. It is also unlawful to place snow (by shovel, snow blower or plow) on cleared streets. Residents are requested to place snow on parkways. In addition, Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini reminds motorists that it is unlawful to park vehicles in parking lots operated by the City between the hours of 1:00 am and 5:00 am at any time after snow on the surface of the parking lot exceeds two inches in depth. According to the Public Works Director Matt Dusckett, "Our residents’ complete cooperation and patience with City Departments during snow plowing operations will enhance our snowplowing program for the entire City." The following outlines the order in which salting and snow removal operations occur in the City of Des Plaines: 1. Public Safety Facilities 2. Arterial roadways & central business district 3. Roadways adjacent to schools 4. Secondary Streets 5. Alleys, dead end streets, & cul-de-sacs The Des Plaines Public Works Department plows all streets in Des Plaines EXCEPT the following State of Illinois, County and Mount Prospect Routes: State of Illinois: Algonquin Road west of Wolf Road Ballard Road Central Road Dempster Street east of Rand Road Devon Avenue Elmhurst Road Golf Road Higgins Road Potter Road Rand Road west of Elk Blvd River Road Touhy Avenue Wolf Road south of Cumberland Circle and north of Central Road Cook County: Dempster/Thacker Street west of Wolf Road East River/Bender Road Joseph J. Schwab/Campground Road Mount Prospect Road Potter Road Village of Mount Prospect: Central Road west of Wolf Road When the snow begins to thaw residents can assist their Public Works Department by reporting any storm drains blocked by ice and/or snow that causes street flooding to 847-391-5464. Crews continually monitor this situation during the winter months, but appreciate residents’ assistance. During large snowfalls, the Public Works and Fire Departments work together to ensure that fire hydrants are cleared of snow in a timely manner. Generally, when the Public Works Department receives a call regarding a blocked/snow covered fire hydrant they send out a crew to clear the hydrant if manpower is available. If they are unable to respond the request is relayed to the Fire Department who clear the snow. In addition, Fire Department personnel are instructed to routinely drive through their districts clearing snow on an as needed basis. Public Works and Fire Department personnel have also installed hydrant flags on some of the hydrants that are located in areas more likely to be buried by plows, such as along Mt. Prospect Road & River Road. The Fire Department encourages residents to assist City operations by clearing snow from around the hydrants located near their homes. The Department has launched a public relations campaign "Adopt a Hydrant" where residents agree to maintain the area around the fire hydrant near their home year round. Residents are encouraged to participate in the program by calling 847-391-5340. According to Des Plaines Fire Chief Randy Jaeger, there have been occasions in the past during extreme snowfalls, where the Fire Department has hired back crews to specifically clear snow from hydrants if warranted. This year the Fire Department has not had the need to do so. "Public Works and Fire Department staff continue to explore the feasibility and obtain pricing on additional options for identifying hydrants such as flags, markers, or signs," Jaeger commented. Residents and businesses are reminded that it is imperative that addresses be well lit, visible and legible from the street. The numbers, which should be Arabic numerals, a minimum of 4 inches high and a minimum width of .5 inch, should be in contrast with the background making them more visible to emergency personnel. During the City’s most recent bout with winter weather Des Plaines Police Department personnel passed out fliers to businesses along Oakton Street, between River Road and Wolf Road, reminding them of their responsibility for clearing sidewalks and public ways adjacent to their property. In addition, Police Department personnel patrolled the snow routes throughout the City and ticketed vehicles violating the City’s snow route ordinance. "The safety, health and welfare of our residents is our number one concern at all times and particularly during this winter season City Departments work together to secure these qualities of life," Police Chief Prandini said.