WINTER STORM WARNING ISSUED FOR DUPAGE COUNTY

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for DuPage County, lasting from approximately 9 p.m. tonight through 4 a.m. Wednesday morning.  Residents should anticipate between six to twelve inches of snow, with the heaviest snowfall expected Tuesday afternoon and early evening.

The DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OHSEM) would like to remind residents of the dangers posed by such severe weather.  Accumulating snowfall will result in difficult and potentially dangerous road travel, while increased wind speeds cause drifting snow and blizzard-like conditions.

"The safest option is to stay home during a winter storm of this potential severity," said Bob Schillerstrom, Chairman of the DuPage County Board. "However, if you must use the roads, please be aware of the hazards and be cautious of other drivers."

The County's Division of Transportation is also reminding motorists that they should:

" Adjust their driving to better handle hazardous driving conditions; be safe and courteous; exercise safe driving techniques.

" Give plow trucks the right of way - stay back at a safe distance, never pass a plow truck on the right.  Plow trucks have blind spots and must move in and out of turning lanes while clearing snow.

" Not shovel snow onto the highway, and when a plow truck is approaching, move away from the edge of the roadway.  Aside from slush and snow, road debris can be thrown by the plow. 

" Make sure to have a flashlight and extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and a battery-powered radio to receive emergency information, which may be your only source of communication and information.

" Have extra food and water, especially high energy foods like dried fruit, nuts and granola bars.

" If traffic lights go out, treat all intersections as 4-way stops - as required by law.  Minimize driving to conserve fuel.

" If power goes out for an extended period of time, turn off lights and electrical appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. Even if it is dark, turn light switches and buttons on lamps or appliances to the "off" position. 

" Have a plan for alternative shelter with family or friends in case you lose heat for an extended period of time. 

DuPage County Animal Care and Control is urging residents to keep their pets indoors as cold weather and snow affect them as much as humans.  It is also important to ensure pets have up-to-date identification tags.

For more information, please visit www.protectdupage.org.