WINTER READINESS GUIDEBOOK WHAT’S INSIDE Snow Plowing . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 - 3 On-Street Parking . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Be a Good Property Steward . . . Page 6 Winter Safety . . . . . . . . . . Page 7 - 9 Protect your Plumbing . . . . . . Page 10 City Department Directory . . . Page 12
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SNOWPLOWING The City of Portage Snow Removal Program is designed to keep city streets clear and safe in the most efficient manner along more than 223 miles of city streets. To meet the needs and safety of Portage drivers, snowplow operators may be hard at work as early as 3:30 AM plowing, sanding, and salting city streets. Portage streets are prioritized in the following order for snowplowing according to how heavily the streets are traveled.
roads are clear, snowplow drivers begin clearing Priority III and IV streets, usually requiring 24 to 48 hours to clear. Select park trails are cleared only after public streets have been cleared (see page 11).
Pretreating and Deicing In a proactive approach to snow removal, pretreating road surfaces before a winter event can make the mechanical clearing of snow significantly easier. The application of a liquid calcium chloride solution before a snow event reduces the bonding of ice and snow to the roadway.
PRIORITY I: All major streets (examples include South Westnedge Avenue, Oakland Drive, Milham Avenue, Kilgore Road, Shaver Road, Lovers Lane, etc.) PRIORITY II: All primary “feeder” streets leading into various residential neighborhoods and access streets to all schools.
Not every event is conducive to pretreatment, however. The Department of Public Works evaluates many factors including air and pavement temperatures, humidity levels, dew point temperatures, and the forecasted rate of precipitation to determine if pretreating will be effective. In addition, deicing materials are often applied during winter storms with major streets, bridges, intersections, hills, and curves receiving priority attention.
PRIORITY III: All interior neighborhood streets. PRIORITY IV: Clean-up of cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets. PRIORITY V: Select park trails.
Snowplowing When a snowstorm is in progress, every effort is made to keep Priority I and II streets clear. Typically, snowplow drivers can complete all Priority I and II streets in 4 to 8 hours. Once the major
Questions about snowplowing? Call the Department of Public Works at 329-4444.
What You Can Do to Help » Michigan law prohibits residents and private snowplow operators from depositing snow from private driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks onto any public roadway. » The Portage Code of Ordinances prohibits residents from placing objects such as basketball stands in the city right-of-way. » On trash and recycling collection days, please keep containers on the curb rather than in the actual roadways. 2
Graphic courtesy of the Michigan Department of Transportation
DON’T CROWD THE PLOW Green Means SLOW – NOT GO! The green flashing lights on plows remind motorists to slow down.
Trucks release salt and sand from the back of the truck. If you are too close to the truck, these materials can hit your windshield and obstruct visibility.
NEVER pass the plow on the right. Plows push snow to the right shoulder and may use a wing (often 6 to 8 feet long) which can be difficult to see.
Blind Spot Blind Spot Don’t assume the plow driver can see your vehicle. The driver’s field of vision is limited. You may see them but they may not see you.
For your safety, maintain at least 200 feet distance from plow trucks. This ensures that the driver can see you at all times and allows time for you to slow or stop safely if the plow truck needs to stop. In addition, plow trucks often obstruct motorists’ visibility when dispensing sand and salt. Plow trucks often need to back up at intersections and other locations during storm response. Make sure to leave room between you and the plow. For your safety, hang back and don’t attempt to pass an active plow. Snowplows make wide turns and sometimes overlap lanes. Wing plows can be difficult to see and can weigh nearly as much as a compact car. While in use, it can kick up enough snow to obscure it completely from view. It is illegal in Michigan to pass a snowplow on the right. And while it’s not illegal to pass on the left, you should do so with extreme caution.
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IS YOUR MAILBOX READY FOR WINTER? City snowplow operators make every effort to minimize damage to mailboxes, but at times, due to the weight of the snow coming off the plow blade and the momentum of the passing plow, this damage is beyond the control of the operator. To reduce the risk of damage to your mailbox, make sure that your mailbox is sturdy enough to withstand the snow. Tighten the screws that secure your mailbox to the post, replace loose hinges on the mailbox door, and ensure that the post is secure in the ground.
Can First Responders Locate Your Address? Consider adding or replacing reflective house numbers to your mailbox to ensure that first responders can easily find your home in an emergency.
Mailbox Repair Program The city offers repair or replacement of damaged mailboxes due to snowplow operations. Visit reportit.portagemi.gov to report a damaged mailbox. If a mailbox is damaged and cannot be repaired by the city, the mailbox and/or post will be replaced with a standard mailbox and/or post meeting U.S. Postal Service specifications. The standard replacement mailbox is white or black, measures 6.5” x 19” x 8.5” with a hinged door and flag. Damaged posts will be replaced with a standard 4” x 4” wooden post meeting U.S. Postal Service specifications. Those residents desiring replacement of a specialty box and/or post may choose to be reimbursed $44 for the cost of the standard style mailbox/ post offered as part of the City of Portage Mailbox Repair Program. By choosing this option, the resident will be responsible for any cost difference and the installation of the specialty equipment. Questions about the Mailbox Repair Program may be directed to the Department of Public Works at 329-4444.
SnowPaths is an app that allows users to view the real-time locations of active snowplows deployed during a snow event. The app utilizes Automated Vehicle Location (AVL), Geographic Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies to visually display the snowplow’s location. The app also displays the status of plowed city roads on an interactive map. SnowPaths can be accessed at portagemi.gov/290 and on the MI.Portage app (available in the App Store & Google Play). 4
ON-STREET PARKING The City of Portage parking ordinance is in effect from December 1 through March 15 of each year. The ordinance (Chapter 78-2 Parking) prohibits parking of vehicles on city streets from 2 to 6 AM. This restriction is in effect whether or not there is snow present.
every effort to not park on the street if at all possible. This ensures that city snow removal equipment can complete the snow clearing process as rapidly and effectively as possible. Motorists who park on the street in violation of this ordinance may receive a citation from the Portage Department of Public Safety - Police Division, for which a $45 fee is assessed by the Kalamazoo County 8th District Court.
The City of Portage also recommends that in times outside the hours of 2 to 6 AM when snow is present, residents make
City of Portage Ordinance – Chapter 78-2 Parking
It shall be unlawful for any person to park, allow to be parked or allow to remain standing, any motor vehicle on or within five feet from the main traveled portion of the street between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., local time, from December 1 to March 15 of each year.
Avoid the Second Shovel By clearing an area before your driveway large enough for the snow coming off the blade to be deposited (to the right as you face your home), you can avoid the “second shovel.” If there is a place for the snow to go, the momentum of the passing plow will throw the snow into that void. By creating a void before your driveway opening, the plow will throw the snow there, rather than right back in the driveway. A little early planning on where to shovel can save residents both time and frustration.
Graphic courtesy of the County Road Association Of Michigan
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LEND A HAND IF YOU CAN Clear Snow and Ice from Sidewalks, Fire Hydrants, and Bus Stops Assistance from businesses, residents and property owners is appreciated to keep key public areas free of snow and ice accumulation during the winter months. We know that it can be challenging to keep up with winter maintenance; however, good property stewardship is appreciated by the City of Portage, as well as your neighbors. If you become aware of a neighbor who might need assistance with property maintenance this winter, lend a hand if you are able.
Sidewalks Public sidewalks adjacent to all types of property (residential, commercial, etc.) provide safe routes to schools, bus stops and other important destinations. City Code requires all sidewalks to be cleared of ice within 12 hours of formation and snow within 24 hours of accumulation. Think about those who use a wheel chair or parents pushing a baby stroller. To ensure sidewalks are accessible for everyone, a minimum clearance width of three feet is appropriate. Special attention to sidewalks adjacent to street corners is necessary to ensure snow banks do not obstruct access to and from the sidewalk.
Fire Hydrants The Portage Fire Division asks that property owners clear snow away from fire hydrants on or adjacent to their property. As snow accumulates through the winter and snow banks grow taller along Portage roadways, residents are asked to keep fire hydrants clear of snow and ice. Should there be a fire nearby, it is imperative that firefighters have clear access to fire hydrants so that fire hoses can be immediately attached and used to fight the fire. When fire crews have to search for and dig out hydrants, precious time can be wasted. If you notice a fire hydrant that is damaged or leaking you can report it to the Department of Transportation & Utilities at 329-4422.
Bus Stops Property owners are also asked to help with keeping bus stops adjacent to your property clear of snow and ice. Assistance in these areas helps public transit and school bus stop users to safely enter and exit buses at bus stops. If a school bus stops near your property, help keep our school children safe by making the pathway to school easier for them to navigate. Business owners near a public transit bus stop are also asked to help out by providing clear, safe access at bus stops.
Winter Fun – Keep it Safe! » Keep children away from roadside piles of snow
» Do not build snow forts, make tunnels, or play in snow banks next to roads » Keep away from the edge of the roadway as you wait for the school bus, get the mail, or watch the plow trucks » Stay away from the end of the driveway when a snow plow is approaching as snow and objects under the snow, when thrown by the snow plow, could cause serious injury » Keep sleds and toys away from the roadways at all times 6
HEATING FIRE SAFETY occur in December, January and February.
1 in every 7 1 in every 5 involves heating equipment.
Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away from your home as possible.
Graphic courtesy of the National Fire Protection Agency
With a few simple safety tips and precautions you can prevent most heating fires from happening. Space Heater
Wood Stove
» Keep anything that can burn, such as bedding, clothing and curtains, at least 3 feet away from the heater.
» Make sure your wood stove is 3 feet from anything that can burn.
» Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off, so if it tips over, it turns off.
» Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home.
» Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
» Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.
» Plug portable heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
Furnace
» Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory.
» Keep anything that can burn away from the furnace.
» Do not burn paper in your wood stove.
» Have your furnace inspected each year.
Fireplace
Kerosene Heater
» Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks jumping out.
» NEVER USE A KEROSENE HEATER INDOORS! Kerosene heaters create carbon monoxide, which is odorless and can be lethal.
» Do not burn paper in your fireplace. » Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home. » Put ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside, at least 3 feet from your home.
Carbon Monoxide Safety » Install and maintain Carbon Monoxide alarms inside your home to provide early warning » Install Carbon Monoxide alarms in a central location outside of each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home » Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, and vents » Make sure vents for your dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris 7
WINTER WEATHER SAFETY A winter storm can last a few hours or several days, cut off heat, power and communication services, and put older adults, children, sick individuals and pets at greater risk. Know your risk for winter storms. Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Listen for emergency information and alerts. Sign up for , the City of Portage mass notification system.
Winter Storm Warning Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
Winter Storm Watch Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.
Winter Weather Advisory Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.
Stay Safe During Winter Weather » Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside. » Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. » Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling or blowing snow and walking in the snow.
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WINTER DRIVING SAFETY Before You Go
On the Road
Stock Up. Carry items in your vehicle to handle common
» Slow down. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface.
winter driving-related tasks, and supplies you might need in an emergency. » A snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper
» Increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you. » Don’t crowd a snow plow or travel beside the truck. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you pass the plow.
» Abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow » Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (flares or emergency markers)
What to Do in an Emergency
» Blankets for protection from the cold » A cell phone and charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine
» If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, stay focused on yourself and your passengers, your car, and your surroundings.
Gas Up or Plug It In. Keep your gas tank close to full
» Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself.
whenever possible. For electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, decrease the drain on the battery by plugging your vehicle in at night during the winter, keeping the battery temperature in its optimal ranges.
» Let your car be seen. Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on. » Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run your car only sporadically – just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
Plan Your Route. Before heading out, check the weather, road conditions, and traffic. Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go – even if you use GPS – and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.
Heading Out for Warmer Weather? » Have the post office hold your mail until you return and stop newspaper deliveries » Secure windows and doors » Set exterior and interior lights on random timers to give the appearance that someone is home » Don’t advertise your travels on social media » Hire a snow removal service to maintain your driveway and sidewalks » Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to monitor your property while you are away » Remove any hideaway keys prior to leaving 9
PROTECT YOUR PLUMBING More Tips for Freezing Weather
Winters can be harsh on household plumbing so don’t forget to protect your water meter and pipes from freezing temperatures. Those located on outside walls, in basements or in crawl spaces, are particularly vulnerable to the cold. They can easily freeze and break during cold spells, leading to costly repairs. Follow these steps to help prevent frozen plumbing.
» Check the meter periodically to see if there is damage and contact Veolia at 324-9235 if you detect a crack. » If a sink is located against an outside wall, open the cabinet doors overnight to allow warm air to reach water pipes. » If you’ve had problems with frozen pipes in the past during extremely cold periods, keep a trickle of water the size of a pencil point running from the highest faucet in your house. You will be billed for the water used but this procedure may help prevent more costly plumbing repairs resulting from broken pipes.
Start Outdoors » Disconnect and drain garden hose connections to prevent outside faucets and pipes from freezing, leaking or breaking. » Close outside vents, crawl spaces and doors to keep out cold air. » Repair broken windows and seal cracks in the walls. » Wrap water lines and meters in commercial insulation. » Wrap pipes subject to cold or freezing in heat tape available from hardware stores and keep plugged in all winter.
Where is my water meter? If your water meter is located indoors, it is commonly found in a basement, crawl space, or utility closet. Typically, indoor meters are located where the water line enters the structure. Your meter may also be located outside, in an underground “meter pit.”
Locate the Shut-off Valves » Make sure the valves on either side of the water meter are working properly. » Place a tag on the main shut-off valve. Make sure everyone in the house knows where it is and how to operate it in an emergency.
What is a shut-off valve? It is your property’s valve that turns water on or off.
Check the Heat
Where is my shut-off valve?
» If you’re going away, keep a minimum amount of heat on. This will help protect the pipes in case the temperature drops.
The shut-off valve for the home/structure is typically located on the water line just after it enters the building. The exact location may vary since this is your private plumbing valve.
» If you plan to turn the heat off, drain all the water from the pipes, toilets and water heater and turn off the power source to the water heater. If your heater operates on gas, turn the heater on “pilot.”
Thawing Frozen Pipes Low water flow or heavy sediment in your water could indicate that a pipe is frozen somewhere in the house. A complete lack of water service can be the result of a frozen water meter or a frozen pipe leading from the water main in the street to the house. A meter or water pipe that feels extremely cold is most likely frozen. It’s important to clear frozen blockages as soon as possible to minimize the danger of pipes bursting in some inaccessible spot. The resulting leak could cause serious property damage. Follow the important steps outlined below to help thaw frozen pipes. In some instances, it may be best to call a licensed plumber. » If a water pipe has frozen and burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house. » Open a nearby faucet slightly so the pipe can drain as it thaws. » Thaw pipes and meters by applying hot air from a hair dryer, electric heater or by using a heating pad. » Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water to avoid being electrocuted. » Never use hot water or a blowtorch on a frozen pipe or water meter. » Frozen underground pipes running into the house may require the application of electric current or other thawing devices. A licensed plumber must address this problem. » If frozen underground lines outside the house are an annual problem, consider lowering them in the spring to a point below the frost line. 10
ENJOY WINTER IN PORTAGE! Portage Road
HEATED RESTROOM
Lovers Lane
Portage Parks & Recreation provides ample outdoor recreation opportunities all winter long. All City of Portage parks are open from 7 AM to 7 PM daily. Park users have access to heated HEATED restrooms at the Portage Creek Bicentennial Park (PCBP) North RESTROOM Trailhead (424 East Kilgore Road), PCPB Trail - Milham Entrance (910 East Milham Avenue), Celery Flats Pavilion (7335 Garden Lane), and Eliason Nature Reserve (1614 Osterhout Avenue). The restrooms at Millennium Park will be open during ice rink hours
of operation. Portable restrooms are also available at the South Westnedge Dog Park (9016 South Westnedge), Lakeview Park (9345 Portage Road) and Oakland Drive Park (7650 Oakland Drive). The PCBP Trail and the Northwest Portage Bikeway are plowed during the wintertime, as well as portions of the trails on Romence Road Parkway and Shaver Road Parkway, only after public streets have been cleared. For additional information, contact Portage Parks & Recreation at 329-4522.
Kilgore Road
Portage Road
HEATED RESTROOM
Romence Road Parkway HEATED RESTROOM
entre Avenue
Oakland Drive
Romence Road
Romence Road Parkway HEATED RESTROOM
Schuring Road
Garde
n Lane
Upjohn Pond
Long Lake
Sprinkle Road
Ro ng An
gli
HEATED RESTROOM
Westnedge Avenue
Upjohn Pond
ad
n Lane
Sprinkle Road
Garde
Constitution Boulevard
Milham Avenue
Lovers Lane
ATED TROOM
Centre Avenue
West Lake
Long Lake
ave r
Ro
ad
Hampton Lake
Sh
West Lake
Vanderbilt Avenue
Austin Lake
Austin Lake
Bacon Avenue
Bacon Avenue HEATED RESTROOM
Osterhout Avenue
Sugar Loaf Lake
Gourdneck Lake
Little Osterhout Avenue
Sugar Loaf
Plowed Recreational Trail Recreational Trail Bikeway Lane
Gourdneck Lake
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City of Portage Department Directory 7900 South Westnedge Avenue • Portage, MI 49002 CITY OF PORTAGE HOURS 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 12 PM, Friday
Department
Telephone
City Assessor (provided by WCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4433 City Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4511 City Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4400 Citizen Complaint Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4404 Community Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4477 Planning & Zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4477 Building Services Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4466 Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9·1·1 Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4533 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4534 Parks & Recreation - 320 Library Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4522 Public Safety Fire Division - 7830 Shaver Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4487 Police Division - 7810 Shaver Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4567 Public Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324-9230 Public Works - 7719 South Westnedge Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4444 Purchasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324-9284 Recycling Hot Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4416 Senior Citizen Services - 203 East Centre Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4555 Technology Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324-9269 Transportation & Utilities - 7719 South Westnedge Avenue . . . . . . . . . 329-4422 Treasurer (Utility and Tax Billing and Payments) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-4455 Water and Sewer Services (provided by Veolia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324-9235
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