PREPARE FOR THE WORST. HOPE FOR THE BEST.

West Chester Township Community Services team is on the frontline of foul weather response. Whether Mother Nature brings heavy rains and flooded streets, severe winds and fallen trees, heavy snow or icy conditions making roads treacherous – West Chester road crews are prepared for quick response.

At the earliest indication of winter weather conditions, West Chester’s snow response fleet is prepared. Weather conditions are monitored. Predictions and experience together help make the decisions of when to deploy.

“Our crews are called in whenever needed during snow events,” said Community Services Director Tim Franck. “We pre-treat roads when appropriate and let the brine and salt do its work before plowing.” Mr. Franck said expectations for snow removal are high in West Chester and decisions are made with safety in mind for the travelling public.

“Safe road conditions are what we deliver to the travelling public,” Mr. Franck said. “We also try to be responsible stewards and allow salt to be effective and help melt the snow before we come through again and plow up the snow and the salt we just dropped.”

Snow removal in West Chester is a job shared by three different agencies: The Ohio Department of Transportation, Butler County Engineer’s Office and West Chester Community Services. Together, they share a mission of keeping roads clear and safe for motorists.

West Chester Township road crews are responsible for about 225 miles of road and 600 cul-de-sacs. The community is divided into 19 snow routes and the Township has 24 vehicles equipped to salt and plow roads.

When budgets are prepared each year, weather conditions for the year are not known. There is no certainty. So, West Chester always plans for the worst-case scenario, budgeting accordingly and keeping salt available.

“Prices for road salt and its availability can be volatile, but we take advantage of the Butler County Engineer’s salt contract to get good pricing and make sure our domes are kept well stocked to avoid shortages during the snow season,” said Mr. Franck.

West Chester budgets about $200,000 each year for salt supplies, about $160,000 per year for replacement of one of its snow fleet/roads services vehicles, and sufficient salary to cover overtime and on-call snow plow operators if needed. The vehicles and personnel, of course, are used all year round for road work, parks and other purposes.

During a typical snow event, West Chester has sufficient manpower on staff to manage the response. For significant snowfall or ice events that last for days, however, the Township also has available a contingent of qualified on-call plow operators that can be called upon when needed.

To join the on-call force, visit westchesteroh.org for requirements and details.

How Can You Help?

There are some simple things that residents and motorists can do during a snow event to make snow response a little easier and safer.

•Delay non-essential travel until after roads are clears. Time spent navigating traffic slows the snow removal process. It’s best to give the crews the room they need to work.

•During significant snow events move vehicles off the street and onto your driveway. This allows trucks to plow streets curb to curb.

•When clearing your driveway, don’t shovel snow into the street.

•To avoid shoveling your driveway entrance twice, wait until the plow truck is finished plowing the street. Plow truck operators have no choice of where to push the snow. Snow has to go to the side of the road which includes driveway entrances.

•When driving, don’t pass a snow plow. Don’t assume the plow driver can see your vehicle. Every truck has blind spots which reduce visibility.

•Allow plenty of stopping distance during winter weather.

•Add extra time onto your trip. Don’t be in a hurry.

•Keep headlights on low beam.

•West Chester Township prioritizes roads to be cleared based upon how heavily traveled the road is and special concerns such as hills, curves, etc. Crews clear subdivision streets as soon as they are able and then cul-de-sacs.

If you have issues/concerns about snow response on your street, please use the Contact Us form at www.westchesteroh.org to report. Staff will respond as soon as able.

Mailbox Casualties

It is true that mailboxes and lawns can become casualties when plowing of snow is required. Driving a snow plow, regardless of your experience, can be a little like the proverbial bull in the china shop. Every effort is made to avoid damage to mailboxes and lawns, but if you believe a Township snow plow damaged your property, please report the damage using the form at www.westchesteroh.org.

Properly installed, standard mailboxes will be replaced as soon as possible if damaged by a snow plow.