Orland Enables Snow Parking Ban: Fail To Follow, Get A Ticket

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Village of Orland Park said in the event of two inches or more of snowfall, the village's snow parking ban will go in effect.

When active, parking on village streets is prohibited if tw­o or more inches of snow have fallen. Parked vehicles must be kept off the street for eight hours after it snows, to enable plowing crews to make clear passes. Vehicles parked on the street during the winter parking ban will be ticketed.

It is requested that trash toters are kept behind the curb line to prevent them from rolling into the street. Residents should never push shoveled snow into the street and always to the lawn or parkway. Also, residents who are physically able are asked to clear a path to fire hydrants from the street, clearing a three-foot perimeter around the hydrant so firefighters can access it quickly and easily in an emergency.

The village said to be patient as some streets may need to be plowed more than once. Orland recommends contacting the Public Works Department to report any ice patches on the road that need to be salted. See Orland snow plow routes on the village website, here.

The National Weather Service said power outages are possible Tuesday into Wednesday due to the combined effects of wet snow accumulation, some icing and wind gusts of up to 35 mph. Northern Cook County could get 4 to 6 inches of snow, the National Weather Service said. The highest snowfall totals are expected from I-88 north. Ice accumulation is expected in some areas.

There's a slight chance of rain and snow between 3 and 5 p.m. Wednesday, and more snow could be coming after 5 p.m. Wednesday. Thursday, New Year's Eve, is expected to be partly sunny during the day with a chance of snow and freezing rain after 1 a.m. into New Year's Day.

The AAA Chicago Motor Club recommends accelerating and decelerating slowly in snow allowing extra time to slow down at stop lights. Motorists are encouraged to drive slowly in snow giving themselves time to maneuver. The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to 10 seconds. The increased margin of safety will offer longer distance needed to stop. AAA recommends staying home if you don't have to go out.

Snow will likely be heavy, wet and difficult to shovel. Dangers of shoveling heavy show include slips and falls, sprained backs, hypothermia, dehydration and heart attack.

According to the American Heart Association, before you pick up that shovel, you should:

• Avoid eating a heavy meal.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Use a small shovel, as lifting heavy snow can increase blood pressure.
• Learn the dangers of hypothermia and dress in layers.
• Know the signs of a heart attack: Chest discomfort, pain in the arm, neck or jaw; cold sweat; nausea; and shortness of breath. Stop immediately and seek medical help if you notice any of these symptoms.

Also important, if your car becomes snow covered, before you start digging it out, make sure the tail pipe is clear. Remove snow from car exhaust pipe(s) before sitting in the car and letting it warm up. Failure to remove snow can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure there is ample room for air to circulate behind your car to allow any exhaust to dissipate and not build up around your car.

If you must head out on the road, officials recommend having a winter storm survival kit with you. According to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, in addition to any medication you may need if you get stranded, your car should be stocked with:

• Cell phone and charger
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Knife
• High calorie, non-perishable food
• Water
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• A large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
• A smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand (or cat litter) for traction on snow and ice
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope with loops (avoid chains and hooks if at all possible)
• Booster cables
• Water container
• Compass and road maps

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