(WAND) — With winter weather kicking into high gear, most communities declare snow emergencies.
What you need to know based on where you live:
Springfield residents:
The city of Springfield's Office of Public Works declared a snow emergency starting Saturday at 11:00 p.m. and running until 11:00 p.m. on Monday.
The city's director of communications, Haley Wilson, said this decision had been made, as snowfall is expected to be over 6 inches.
The city asks residents to move any parked vehicles from snow emergency routes by 11:00 p.m. Saturday.
Wilson added drivers need to be mindful of snow removal crews.
Those clearing private lots are reminded not to dump the snow into the streets. Doing so is an ordinance violation. Anyone with problems or concerns is asked to contact the Office of Public Works at 217-789-2246.
The city asks business owners and residents to keep their sidewalks clear. According to an ordinance, all sidewalks next to the property must be clear of snow by 10:00 a.m. after a snow event. If they are not, the city can impose a $250 fine.
They said to contact the city's Housing Division at 217-789-2167 to report any complaints or concerns regarding sidewalks.
Rantoul residents:
The mayoral assistant of the village of Rantoul, Tana Ward, told the media that the village is under a snow emergency due to snow expected to exceed 3 inches starting at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Ward said residents must move vehicles from marked snow routes so plows can clear the area.
Decatur residents:
Around 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, the city of Decatur's communications coordinator, Ryan Huffer, said a Snow Emergency was in effect.
Huffer said that beginning at 10:00 p.m. Saturday, vehicles cannot be left parked where there are signs designating it as an emergency snow route with a red and white sign.
Vehicles need to be moved by 1:00 a.m., or drivers will be subject to fines.
If you leave your vehicle parked there, it will be towed away, according to the release.
The road crews will start clearing roadways at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Due to the snow emergency, there will also be a delay and a change in bus services. The buses will only take the main roads. Huffer said to follow their Facebook page for more details and provided information from Decatur Public Transit on where the busses will run during a snow emergency.
Champaign residents:
The city posted on its Facebook page on Friday that it is prepared for the forecasted wintry mix.
Their Public Works Operations Manager, Cory Conrad, said in the post, "We are following the plans outlined in the City's Snow and Ice Control Plan. Based on this current forecast Public Works crews will report for duty Sunday morning and we will continue around the clock operations until the snow and ice control plan actions are complete."
The post added people are encouraged to stay home. If you have to travel, they ask that you take your time.
The city added the use of alternate off-street parking instead of parking on the street.
Like Springfield, the city of Champaign requires property owners on corner lots to shovel the excess snow at the nearest crosswalk and store it on their land.
Property and business owners are asked to clear snow if greater than 2 inches within 48 hours to clear a path of at least 48 inches across.
A copy of the sidewalk snow removal maps can be found here.
The city has also offered winter storm safety tips, like what to keep in an emergency kit at home, and in your car. As well as how to safely winterize your home, and keep your pets safe.
They add and monitor your local media, their page, and website to stay informed.
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