'Common Sense, Snowmen': Beachwood Police Offer Winter Tips

BEACHWOOD, OH — While the weather remains unseasonably warm, eventually northern Ohioans will have to deal with snow flurries. And Beachwood police have some tips to help you through the season.

The department took to social media to remind residents that they should not contact Beachwood police about road conditions.

"Road conditions can change rapidly and our dispatchers will not give you advice as to whether or not you should travel due to weather conditions. They will not know about traffic crashes in other cities," the department said in a statement. "If you had a thought to call the police for advice then you probably should not travel."

Live in Beachwood? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone.

If the weather is bad, don't go to non-emergency appointments to see doctors, hairdressers, barbers, butchers, or whoever. Instead, reschedule and stay safe, police said.

Second, if you know a winter storm is inbound then prepare for it. Go out and buy any necessities you may need. Make sure you have batteries, candles, wood for your fireplace, etc. Don't leave anything until the day of the storm.

Police also recommended owning a portable AM/FM radio and a portable phone charger for your cell phone.

"Make certain you have plenty of your medications on hand to last several days. Having a backup generator is ideal. Never run generators indoors. Make sure your smoke and CO detector batteries are fresh. If your garage door opener has a battery backup check the condition of the battery," police said.

Finally, be a good neighbor and check on your anyone elderly living near you. If the power goes out, they may need your help to stay warm and safe, so keep an eye out. Additionally, don't leave your pets outside during winter storms.

While none of the advice is revolutionary, police noted that "common sense" should drive decisions during the winter months...and your desire to make snowmen. Make a lot of snowmen.