During severe winter conditions, Public Safety executives must be very careful that their resources are not diminished on minor incidents. We must have adequate resources available to respond to the major emergencies. As driving conditions deteriorate, we must restrict the number of vehicles on the roadways so the likelihood of minor incidents is reduced. Fewer vehicles on the roads is necessary for proper snow removal by the salt trucks and plows.

According to several legal opinions from the Ohio Attorney General's Office, the Sheriff of a county may declare a Snow Emergency for the preservation of the public peace. The Sheriff will consult with various other county officials such as the County Engineer, the EMA Director, the township and city officials before declaring the emergency. Declaring a Snow Emergency is the highest of three levels of Winter Driving Condition:

LEVEL 1

Roadways are hazardous, drive very cautiously.

LEVEL 2

Roadways are extremely hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roadways are also icy. Only those drivers who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.

LEVEL 3

All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to arrest.