Evening Snow Update
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Updated: 8:29 PM Feb 10, 2010
Evening Snow Update
Keeping the roads clear remains difficult with the high winds.
Posted: 11:18 PM Feb 9, 2010
Reporter: Chip Brewster
Email Address: Chip.Brewster@wifr.com
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The constant flow of snow is causing problems throughout the stateline, including downtown Rockford where even the main streets are sloshed with snow.

At the corner of Madison and Walnut you can see the city is not able to keep up with the wind and the snow. It's really the wind causing the issues. People throughout the day have been doing the "leaning walk" since it seems like the snow is falling sideways.

Outside of the city roads across the Stateline appear to be alive as the snow whips across them, causing some drivers to lose track of road markings. One driver says she hit an ice patch and simply lost control.

More than 20 vehicles have slid off the road in Winnebago County tonight. Stephenson County has seen multiple accidents cause property damage and two cause injuries. Ogle County officials just told us they've had several snow related accidents, but only three have been reported in Boone County.

It's not all bad news, the constant wind and snow are helping many seasonal workers grab that extra pay check.

"It's keeping us busy, keeping us working. Yesterday it fell pretty hard but the winds are worse today...but the positive, I mean, it keeps money in our pockets," says Vince Monreal.

We've been told that the worst area in Winnebago County right now is Perryville Road, North of Riverside. Residential streets are also just covered with snow and are not expected to be cleared until days after the storm ends.

Just a reminder while Rockford remains under a snow emergency the odd-even parking system is in effect. That means tomorrow (Wednesday) at 8am, and no sooner, your car must be parked on the even side of the street, otherwise you'll get a $50 ticket.

(Chip Brewster is available via email AND facebook... feel free to shoot him a message or friend him at any time)
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FAMILY DISASTER PLAN
Families should be prepared for all hazards that could affect their area. NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross urge every family to develop a family disaster plan. Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere at work, at school, or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services water, gas, electricity, or telephones were cut off?

Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan...

  • Gather information about hazards.
    Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management office, and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans.

  • Meet with your family to create a plan.
    Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.

  • Implement your plan.
    (1) Post emergency telephone numbers by phones;(2) Install safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; (3) Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as items that can move, fall, break, or catch fire) and correct them; (4) Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home; (5) Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number; (6) Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

  • A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT SHOULD INCLUDE: A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil one change of clothing and footwear per person one blanket or sleeping bag per person a first aid kit, including prescription medicines emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries an extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

  • Practice and maintain your plan. Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries two times each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace stored water and food every 6 months. Contact your local National Weather Service office, American Red Cross chapter, or local office of emergency management for a copy of “Your Family Disaster Plan” (L-191/ARC4466).