Cook County officials are preparing for accumulating snowfall expected to impact the Monday morning commute. The Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) is monitoring weather conditions and plans to deploy all necessary resources to maintain safety on the 1,500 lane miles under its care.
The DoTH has advised drivers to exercise caution during storms by reducing speed and watching for snow plows. Because this snowfall is arriving early in the season, additional precautions are needed as some construction projects are still ongoing throughout the county.
Motorists are encouraged to keep an emergency kit in their vehicles in case they become stranded or experience a breakdown during severe weather. Recommended items for a basic safety kit include a shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight with extra batteries, battery-powered radio, water, snacks such as energy bars, matches and candles, extra hats and mittens, first aid supplies with a pocket knife, medications, blankets or sleeping bag, tow chain or rope, road salt or sand for traction, jumper cables, emergency flares and reflectors, fluorescent distress flag and whistle for attention-getting purposes, and a cell phone adapter.
Tips provided by the department include reversing batteries in flashlights to prevent accidental power drain and storing emergency items inside the passenger compartment rather than the trunk in case it becomes frozen shut.
Other recommendations from officials include keeping gas tanks at least half full and informing someone about travel plans and routes. If stranded during a storm, drivers should remain with their vehicles since walking can be hazardous due to poor visibility or exhaustion. Officials also urge checking around vehicles regularly because snow can block exhaust systems and cause carbon monoxide buildup inside cars. For those waiting extended periods for help, it is recommended to run engines only 10 minutes per hour while ensuring exhaust pipes are clear of snow. Keeping a window slightly open while running the engine is also advised to reduce risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
