City prepares for another round of winter weather
News release provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
Snow weary Lexington is preparing for another blast of winter weather this week, Mayor Linda Gorton said.
“One of Lexington’s best qualities is that we help each other in times of need,” Gorton said. “This is the time to help your neighbor. Pick up some extra groceries, or shovel their walk when you’re out shoveling your own. This kind of weather takes all of us working together so we can all get through it.”
The city needs the assistance of every resident, Gorton said. “Stay off the roads if you can, and protect your pets from the bitter cold.”
Gorton today called together representatives to discuss their weather plans:
STREETS AND ROADS
Road crews began pretreating Monday, and will continue into tonight. Contract snowplows will report at 8 p.m. to be ready for the weather when it arrives.
LEXINGTON POLICE
The Lexington Division of Police stands ready to adjust staffing levels, as needed, to provide adequate law enforcement coverage for Lexington-Fayette County. Specialized traffic control equipment has been prepared, should it need to be deployed.
Lexington Police urge residents to avoid non-essential travel. If travel is necessary, police remind motorists to give themselves plenty of time to get to their destinations, increase the distance between yourself and other vehicles, and put your vehicle in a lower gear to get better traction. Also, in case of an emergency, try to have a full tank of gasoline, water, snacks, and other items to help you stay warm in your vehicle.
Citizens should not call 911 to check the road conditions. You can find the latest on city snow removal, delays, closings, and view the live traffic cameras at www.lexingtonky.gov/snowupdates.
Residents who see someone who needs non-emergency assistance can call Lexington Police’s non-emergency number at (859) 258-3600. In case of an emergency, call 911.
FIRE
The Lexington Fire Department is fully staffed and works closely with all City divisions to meet the challenges of inclement weather. Extended preparation has been made by ensuring adequate staffing for immediate response to emergencies, said Fire Chief Jason Wells.
Firefighters urge residents to use caution with home heating equipment. Space heaters should be at least 3 feet away from combustibles. Although it is always important to have functioning smoke alarms, it is especially important when using alternative heat sources. It is additionally important to have functioning carbon monoxide detectors, as dangers increase when using supplemental heating.
Fire Engines and ladders are winterized to protect from further inclement weather.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Because of the Presidents Day Holiday, Waste Management is scheduled to collect Monday’s waste collection tomorrow, Wednesday, February 19.
If collection is missed due to snow and road conditions, residents should leave their carts out until they are emptied. Thursday and Friday may be used to collect missed carts, as needed.
Businesses and apartments with trash and recycling dumpsters should make sure snow plows do not block dumpster areas with snow. Locks should be left unlocked or checked to ensure they are not frozen over.
FLEET SERVICES
The Fleet Services’ maintenance garage is actively prepared to support the frontline operations to keep Public Works road crews and Public Safety’s first responders safely on the roads.
OFFICE OF HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention activated its Emergency Winter Weather Plan on Sunday (February 16), currently running through Saturday, February 22. The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention will extend activation as appropriate.
Under this activation, outreach teams have been working to locate unsheltered individuals, facilitate access to emergency shelter and distribute supplies. Additionally, congregate shelters are operating overflow beds and have relaxed restrictions for individuals previously suspended for behavioral or programmatic reasons. Finally, individuals experiencing homelessness can access day centers and overnight shelters via Lextran fixed routes free of charge.
Individuals can also make application for LFUCG’s winter shelter program via 211; calls are accepted Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Referrals to the program are made as openings become available.
Citizens who see someone who may need shelter can contact LexCall at 311 to be connected with the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention. After business hours, Hope Center’s street outreach team can be reached at (859) 551-8053 or (859) 556-1870. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.
News release provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
https://www.lexingtonky.gov/news/city-prepares-another-round-winter-weather-0
