As Ohio’s Winter Safety Awareness Week continues, Logan County is preparing for the upcoming winter weather, ensuring that snow removal and road safety measures are in place for the season.
Logan County Engineer, Scott Coleman, shared that crews have been busy finalizing winter preparations at the county garage. “We’ve been finishing up attaching the sanders to the trucks, and the tire chains and plows are prepped and ready for each vehicle,” Coleman said. “Annual truck services have been completed, and we have 13 front-line trucks and 7 backup trucks available to handle snow removal. Additionally, our salt stockpile is full, and we have BeetHeat liquid ready for prewetting the salt-grit mixture to enhance its effectiveness.”
In addition to the county’s preparations, Chief Deputy Joe Kopus from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office shared essential winter safety tips for residents and travelers in the area:
Adjust Your Driving:
- Reduce Speed: Adjust your speed to match changing road conditions.
- Avoid Driving into a Storm: Find a safe place to pull off the road and wait out the storm if you encounter one.
- Stay in Your Vehicle: If an accident occurs, stay inside your vehicle until visibility improves.
- Increase Following Distance: Keep a larger gap between you and the vehicle in front of you to allow for safe stopping.
- Exercise Caution Around Stopped Vehicles: Be mindful of vehicles that are stopped or moving slowly due to hazardous conditions.
- Pass or Change Lanes Only When Necessary: Don’t take unnecessary risks by changing lanes or passing other vehicles in bad weather.
Prepare Your Vehicle:
- Fuel and Fluids: Ensure you have a full tank of gas and windshield washer fluid.
- Tires: Equip your vehicle with all-season or studded snow tires to improve traction.
- Emergency Supplies: Carry chains, a tow rope, cat litter, or cardboard for emergency traction, as well as a blanket, warm clothing, a shovel, jumper cables, a windshield scraper, and a first aid kit.
- Other Essentials: Pack non-perishable food, bottled water, a flashlight with extra batteries, a knife, and a cell phone charger.
Avoid Distractions:
- Stay Focused: Keep your attention on the road and stay vigilant for road hazards such as animals, trees, and changing road conditions.
- Take Breaks: If you feel fatigued, take necessary breaks to stay alert.
- Watch for Hidden Hazards: Be cautious of icy overpasses and bridges, open ground blizzards, hills, stoplights, signs, and water that may collect in ruts.
Give Snowplows Ample Space:
- Safe Distance Always keep a safe distance behind snowplows working to clear the roads.
- Never Pass on the Right: It’s important not to attempt passing a snowplow on the right side, as they often have limited visibility and may need extra space to operate safely.
By following these tips and preparing for winter weather, residents can help ensure their safety and the safety of others as they travel throughout Logan County this season.
