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Winter in Arlington Heights, IL
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Winter in Arlington HeightsWhen fall gives way to winter in the mid-west, we need to prepare for heavy snow, frigid temperatures, and a new set of challenges. Below is information about the Village's snow plan, as well as winter/seasonal reminders.
Related Topics
- Snow Removal Operations
- ComEd and Power Outages
- Parking Restrictions
- Adopt a Fire Hydrant
- Public Works Operations
Storm Updates
Winter in Arlington Heights: Safety, home care, snow plowing, events & more
Public Works Snow Removal
In general, when snow accumulations are two inches or less, Public Works Crews will apply a salt/liquid deicer mixture to soften the snow and prevent ice from bonding to the pavement. The salt is pre-wetted with a liquid blend consisting of salt brine, liquid calcium chloride and sugar beet juice. The use of this liquid blend allows us to use less rock salt while achieving improved snow-melting performance. This pre-wetting of the road salt allows us to save money by using less salt while also using a more eco-friendly material.
When snow accumulations exceed three inches, the front-mounted plows are used to move the snow off streets and onto parkways. Plows will first clear the arterial and collector streets. Trucks will make two opening passes on all streets, then return later to plow the full-width of the street to the curb.
The Village has approximately 300 cul-de-sacs which are divided into 10 zones for plowing operations. Each zone is assigned a driver with a small pick-up truck or a 1-ton dump truck with a plow. These crews plow these tighter areas when snow is two to three inches deep or greater.
Roads Plowed by IDOT or Cook County
The Village of Arlington Heights contains roads that are maintained by the State (Illinois Department of Transportation) and the County (Cook County Highway Department). These areas include Euclid west of Walnut near Northwest Highway and east of Waterman Rd. near Memory Gardens Cemetery, Wilke between Northwest Highway and Route 53, Central, Thomas east of Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights Road north of Rand, Hintz east of Arlington Heights Rd, and Lake Cook Road. See the complete map.
In general, when snow accumulations are two inches or less, Public Works Crews will apply a salt/liquid deicer mixture to soften the snow and prevent ice from bonding to the pavement. The salt is pre-wetted with a liquid blend consisting of salt brine, liquid calcium chloride and sugar beet juice. The use of this liquid blend allows us to use less rock salt while achieving improved snow-melting performance. This pre-wetting of the road salt allows us to save money by using less salt while also using a more eco-friendly material.
When snow accumulations exceed three inches, the front-mounted plows are used to move the snow off streets and onto parkways. Plows will first clear the arterial and collector streets. Trucks will make two opening passes on all streets, then return later to plow the full-width of the street to the curb.
The Village has approximately 300 cul-de-sacs which are divided into 10 zones for plowing operations. Each zone is assigned a driver with a small pick-up truck or a 1-ton dump truck with a plow. These crews plow these tighter areas when snow is two to three inches deep or greater.
Roads Plowed by IDOT or Cook County
The Village of Arlington Heights contains roads that are maintained by the State (Illinois Department of Transportation) and the County (Cook County Highway Department). These areas include Euclid west of Walnut near Northwest Highway and east of Waterman Rd. near Memory Gardens Cemetery, Wilke between Northwest Highway and Route 53, Central, Thomas east of Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights Road north of Rand, Hintz east of Arlington Heights Rd, and Lake Cook Road. See the complete map.
Adopt a Fire Hydrant
Do you have a fire hydrant near your home? The Arlington Heights Fire Department encourages residents to "Adopt a Hydrant" each winter, to help keep it clear of snow. In the event that the Fire Department needs to access a hydrant during a fire - seconds matter. If they spend time clearing snow from a hydrant, that's time that a fire can spread. You can help keep your house and your community safe by adopting a hydrant online and get a certificate of recognition!
Do you have a fire hydrant near your home? The Arlington Heights Fire Department encourages residents to "Adopt a Hydrant" each winter, to help keep it clear of snow. In the event that the Fire Department needs to access a hydrant during a fire - seconds matter. If they spend time clearing snow from a hydrant, that's time that a fire can spread. You can help keep your house and your community safe by adopting a hydrant online and get a certificate of recognition!
Avoid Second Shovel
Unfortunately snow will be pushed into driveways by the plow trucks during an snow and ice event. This is an unavoidable inconvenience, but there are a few tips you can use when clearing snow from your driveway. Shovel snow in the direction of traffic, and try to make a pocket on the opposite side of the driveway, as shown. By doing so, snow that is plowed will be dumped into that pocket and not back on your driveway. See diagram below.
Unfortunately snow will be pushed into driveways by the plow trucks during an snow and ice event. This is an unavoidable inconvenience, but there are a few tips you can use when clearing snow from your driveway. Shovel snow in the direction of traffic, and try to make a pocket on the opposite side of the driveway, as shown. By doing so, snow that is plowed will be dumped into that pocket and not back on your driveway. See diagram below.
With the cold weather settling in again, the Village encourages residents and business owners to be proactive and prevent frozen pipes during the winter months. Following these simple steps can save residents thousands of dollars in expenses due to frozen pipe damage. If you plan on leaving your home for an extended period of time, it is recommended to contact the Public Works Department to shut off your home's water supply at (847) 368-5800 or submit a request through the Village of Arlington Heights on the SeeClickFix app, downloadable through your smartphone app store, or by reporting a concern on the Village’s website at: https://ow.ly/Mb4k50QgAvy. For emergency shut-offs after hours, contact the Police non-emergency number at (847) 368-5300. For more tips about cold pipe safety, visit https://ow.ly/gNV550QgAvt
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Cold Weather Safety
Our region routinely experiences extreme cold during winter months. In this weather, frostbite is a serious concern and can happen in minutes. Learn how to prepare for a winter storm and how to stay safe in a winter storm with these brief FEMA videos:
US National Weather Service Updates
While the Arlington Heights specific information listed below is helpful, residents are encouraged to visit the US National Weather Service for weather forecast information. You can also follow the US National Weather Service Chicagoland on Facebook and Twitter for updated weather information related to the region.
ComEd and Power Outages
In the event of a power outage, we would direct you to your electrical company, such as ComEd, as the Village does not have any authority in managing large, private utilities.
The Illinois Commerce Commission is the State agency that regulates Commonwealth Edison. The ICC is responsible for ensuring adequate, efficient, and reliable public utility services. Please visit their website or contact them at 312.814.2859.
In the event of a power outage, we would direct you to your electrical company, such as ComEd, as the Village does not have any authority in managing large, private utilities.
The Illinois Commerce Commission is the State agency that regulates Commonwealth Edison. The ICC is responsible for ensuring adequate, efficient, and reliable public utility services. Please visit their website or contact them at 312.814.2859.
No Parking on Streets after 2" of Snowfall
- While street parking is NOT allowed after 2" of snowfall, it's a good idea to avoid parking in the street during any winter weather event, to help make room for salt/plow trucks. In the event of 2" of snowfall, overnight parking requests will not be granted.
- Residential and Business Snow Removal
- Snow cleared from walks or drives may not be deposited in the streets. Besides being against Village ordinance, these practices may result in hazardous conditions.
- Depositing snow in the street in front of your driveway after streets are cleared could result in an icy patch that could be dangerous to your family and neighbors.
- Be a good neighbor and if you can, shovel sidewalks especially where the sidewalk ends at a crosswalk.
- Remind children that when building snow forts they need to remain on private property and should not build a snow fort on the parkways adjacent to streets. Constructing a snow fort next to the street can be dangerous.
- Contact the Public Works at 847.368.5800 if a Village plow truck damages your parkway or mailbox in order to file a work request. Mailboxes damaged by plows will be inspected, repaired or replaced as soon as time permits with standard Post Master Approved mailboxes and wood posts. Parkway damage will be repaired in the spring.
Warming Centers
Warming Centers are locations in town that serve the community and can provide you with a place to stay warm, if your home is without heat. Below are several short-term warming center options:
- Police Department Lobby
- Arlington Heights Senior Center: Open Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. - 12:30p.m. (Pending weather closures)
If you are in need of additional warming center needs, please contact our Health & Human Services department weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 847-368-5760. Please contact the Arlington Heights Police Department weekdays after 5 p.m., and on weekends, at 847-368-5300. In emergencies, please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1.