For Immediate Release Contact: Rick Tilton, 645-7263
February 1, 2011
City of Columbus Forces Making Progress In Unpredictable Storm
City to Open Emergency Operations Center
City of Columbus employees from the Departments of Public Service, Public Safety, Public Utilities and other departments continue their joint effort mid-way through the current storm that has included consistent rain, freezing rain and ice. Crews have been salting streets, responding to Police and Fire calls and keeping storm sewer catch basins open. To help coordinate the effort more efficiently, the city of Columbus will open its Emergency Operations Center beginning at 3 p.m. The EOC is expected to remain open to at least until 7 a.m. Wednesday, February 2.
During the past 24 hours, City crews have repeatedly fine - tuned their strategy for fighting the storm that has proven unpredictable. The current forecast calls for freezing rain, an increase in temperatures, followed by a drop in temperatures, possibly one inch of snow and windy conditions.
In the face of consistent and unpredictable precipitation, Columbus Police urge motorists to use extra caution and slow down, especially on bridge overpasses that are the most susceptible to ice. Motorists also are urged to leave additional space between themselves and the car in front of them.
City crews will continue to treat streets with a mix of salt and calcium chloride, except times of consistent rain which will wash away salt and calcium chloride treatments, rendering them ineffective.
The city of Columbus asks residents and businesses to do their part, including:
· Property owners should clear ice and snow from their sidewalks to increase safety for school students and other pedestrians. City Code states that property owners are responsible for the maintenance of sidewalks abutting their properties.
· Clear ice and snow from the sidewalk of an elderly or shut-in neighbor
· Report locations of standing water or excessive ponding of water to 311 by contacting 311 or 645-3111, online at www.311.columbus.gov or e-mail at 311@columbus.gov
