Equipment

20 trucks with plow and material spreading capability 3 heavy duty front end loaders plus one leased satellite outpost, for loading or pushing back snow 2 backhoes for pushing back snow and cleaning up intersections 2 Gradalls available for problem areas and sight distance complaints 2 motor graders with side or V plow capability 3 trucks mounted V plows 3 trucks with side wing capabilities Emergency arrangements with area contractors and adjoining municipalities for assistance if needed

Manpower

Under the guidance of the Lorain County Engineer there are 28 employees available, 4 supervisors, and 24 drivers that are available 24 hours a day. There is a 4-man equipment maintenance staff, with a 2 person staff for purchasing and providing parts for broken equipment.

Program

There are 2 supervisors and 12 drivers available for each 12-hour shift, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for constant coverage of highways. There is a pre-season meeting held yearly to review all aspects of the snow removal plan with drivers. Salt and/or salt and cinder mix is used on roadways for melting and traction purposes. 274 miles of road are divided into 12 routes averaging about 46 miles per route. We operate out of the main yard on Russia Road with 3 satellite outposts, Columbia Township, Henrietta township, and Wellington Township. These outposts greatly increase our effectiveness in remote areas. Our policy is to continue making passes on all roads in a routine order until they are as safe as we can get them for the traveling public. To make complaints or in the event of a mailbox, yard, property, or vehicle damage, contact the highway office at 326-5880. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Your Safety

Increase you attention level to safe driving techniques for the conditions you encounter. Ice on the roads is not always visible. Use greater care on following distances and maintain slower speeds. Give snow removal vehicles lots of room, they often back up at intersections and heavy snow areas. Pass them only when necessary and conditions permit. Do not follow too closely or use bright lights, as it causes extreme vision problems for snow equipment operators. Be sure your vehicle is properly maintained to decrease chances of breakdowns, and winterize your vehicle by checking wipers, tires, lights and fluid levels regularly. It is a good idea to keep a winter car kit in your vehicle; it should include jumper cables, flares, reflectors, flashlight, windshield washer fluid, ice scraper, blanket, matches, and a first aid kit. For long trips, include food, candles, extra batteries, antifreeze, and a small shovel. Check travel conditions with the State Highway Patrol by calling toll free 1-888-264-7623 or local highways by calling the municipalities that maintains them. Should you encounter a problem, pull the vehicle as far off the road as possible, open the hood and turn on the hazard lights. Stay in your vehicle while waiting for help to arrive. One of your greatest dangers is being hit by a passing vehicle. Do not accept rides from strangers; instead ask the individual to contact someone or law enforcement organization of your situation. The best advice in inclement weather is to not make any unnecessary trips.