City of Chicago Heights Prepares for Heavy Snowfall, Offers Tips for Residents

, Chicago Heights Chief of Staff Lisa Aprati said the city is ready to hit the streets with plows.

"The city’s street department is prepared for the snowfall," Aprati said in an e-mail. "Our city plows will be working throughout the day and evening, based on accumulation, to ensure the safety of our residents and to ensure that our streets are open for any emergency situation."

The snowfall is already coming down at a rate of one quarter of an inch to one inch per hour and is expected to increase after 3 p.m.

Aprati also offered some tips for residents from the City of Chicago Heights:

1. Road conditions can become hazardous when wet and icy, so drivers should consider decreasing their speeds by at least 10 mph of what the initial speed limit sign reads. The speed limit signs are designed for perfect weather conditions. So if the sign reads 30 mph, drivers should be driving at 20 mph. It is a safety precaution in order to give the driver enough time to react to any obstacles they may encounter.

2. A friendly reminder for residents and business owners to keep their sidewalks clear.   

3. We encourage residents to do a safety and wellness check on neighbors that may need assistance during the winter season.

For anyone that gets stuck out in the cold today, the is a designated warming center.