Emergency Management: Winter weather

Snow Emergency Parking Ban
Drive safely around snowplows
Winter Driving
Outdoor Winter Safety

Snow emergency parking ban

A snow emergency parking ban is declared when the National Weather service announces that three or more inches of snow have fallen.

This means that no motor vehicles are allowed to park on any street for 48 hours, or until the streets have been plowed from curb to curb. Failure to move vehicles from the street could result in the vehicle being towed.

For further information see snow removal on the Public Works pages.

Drive safely around snowplows

Each year there are numerous accidents involving snowplows and cars. These safety tips are recommended by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Slow down. Snowplows need to drive slower in order to do their jobs.
Never drive into a snow cloud created by the plows.
Always assume snowplow operators do NOT see you.
Think twice before passing. Do not pass a snowplow unless you can be sure which lane the plow blade is located.

Winter driving

Plan - Be sure your vehicle is properly supplied with booster cables, a shovel, warm clothing and a windshield scraper.
Prepare your vehicle - Test your antifreeze, battery, exhaust, lights and gas tank. Never travel with less than a half tank of gas.
Pay attention to weather and road conditions.
Carry a Winter Survival Kit.
Dial 911 - If you call 911 tell them your exact location and describe the incident. Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you it is O.K. to hang up.
Turn on your headlights.

For the 24 hour MnDOT Road Information Line, call 1-800-542-0220 or 1-800-657-3994, or visit their website: www.dot.state.mn.us external link .

Outdoor winter safety

Each year people die when they or their vehicles fall through ice. Please follow these guidelines.

Never walk on ice less than four inches thick. Don't snowmobile on less than five inches or drive your car on less than eight inches of ice.
Warn children to stay away from ice unless an adult has verified the safety.
Watch for frostbite and other symptoms of cold-weather exposure. Children and the elderly are susceptible.
Keep yourself and your clothes dry.
Pace yourself when shoveling snow. Never work to the point of exhaustion.

For further information about winter safety, contact the Minnesota Safety Council at 651-291-9150 or visit their website at www.mnsafetycouncil.org external link .

For more information, contact:

Bloomington Police Department
PH: 952-563-4900, FAX: 952-563-4936
E-mail: police@ci.bloomington.mn.us