Lakewood Snowstorm Preparation: What To Know

LAKEWOOD, CO — The city of Lakewood released its plans for winter storm preparations Friday.

City officials are reminding residents to stay off the roads as much as possible as a winter storm warning remains in effect for many Colorado regions, including Denver's west metro area.

The city of Lakewood released the following list of its preparations:

• City snowplow crews will operate 24 hours throughout the storm to ensure the priority routes are as clear as possible for traffic and emergency vehicles as outlined at on the city's website, officials said.
• All the city’s equipment and available staff are prepared for working long hours, and the city is monitoring a number of weather forecasts to plan for and respond to the storm, the city said. A determination will be made as early as possible on plowing residential streets, officials said.
• Staff in a number of departments, including the police department, are coordinating to respond to the storm. The police department will have extra staff on duty to respond to calls and assist those who become stranded, the city said. The Lakewood Police Department's Community Action Team will also be on the streets to assist residents who are homeless, and plans are in place for an emergency shelter if needed.
• Lakewood's Winter Storm Operations page will be available for updates on plowing and other operations. Information will also be available at on the city's Twitter feed, the Lakewood Police Department Twitter feed, and the city's Facebook page.
• Clements Community Center, Heritage Center and Washington Heights Arts Center will be closed Saturday and Sunday, the city said. The Lakewood Cultural Center has rescheduled its weekend rehearsals and performances for next weekend, and Washington Heights will ended classes at noon Friday. The Lakewood Rides program will provide only emergency trips, the city said.

The city also offered guidelines for residents:

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• Heavy spring storms can cause power outages, downed limbs and road closures, and heavy snowfall can concentrate in the Green Mountain area in these kinds of storms, officials said.
• Xcel Energy has announced it has called on hundreds of employees and contractors to be ready for the storm and outlined how to report power outages and check for updates.
• Residents should stay off the roads and be prepared to stay at home, particularly at the height of the storm, which is expected to occur Saturday night.
• Those needing additional medical supplies such as oxygen should get those ahead of the storm.
• Those relying on public transit should check for snow operation information.
• Residents are encouraged to check on elderly or vulnerable residents, particularly if power outages occur.