The Service Department is prepared to keep Galion roadways safe for drivers this winter.

The local weather radar is closely monitored by the department to ensure the fleet is deployed before and during winter weather events. When snow or freezing rain is in the forecast, the crew is divided into shifts so that roads are cleared consistently both day and night.

However, if snow accumulation is less than three inches there may be some residential streets that are not plowed outside of normal working hours.

Streets are prioritized as follows:

Mains - State Route 598/Portland Way, State Route 19/Harding Way, State Route 61/309, Sixth Avenue.

Secondary Mains - Church Street, Dawsett Avenue, Erie Street, Fairview Avenue, Gill Avenue, Grove Avenue, Heise Park Lane, Market Street, Sherman Street, South Boston Street, West Railroad Street, Winchester Road.

Crews then move on to residential side streets, commercial alleys, and residential alleys.

Please note that when the air temperature drops below 25 degrees, road salt becomes ineffective. If streets are only in need of salt, crews may not be deployed. Regardless, drivers need to reduce their speed and increase stopping distance at intersections.

On weekends, police patrols determine if the roads are becoming unsafe and notify the Service Department.

Also, residents are reminded of the parking ban during snow emergencies. Chapter 355 of the codified ordinances prohibits street parking on designated streets within 24 hours after a snowfall of three inches of accumulation or greater. Parking may resume after snow has been cleared.

Designated snow streets are:

• Harding Way East/West
• Church Street (all)
• North Jefferson Street (between Church Street and Harding Way West)
• Liberty Street (between Church Street and Atwood Street)
• Columbus Street (between Church Street and Walnut Street)
• Market Street (all)
• Union Street (between Church Street and Walnut Street)
• Atwood Street (between Boston Street and Erie railroad tracks)
• Walnut Street (between Union Street and Liberty Street)
• South Boston Street (between Harding Way West and Grove Avenue)
• Grove Avenue (between South Boston Street and Portland Way South)

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office issues emergency snow levels. Residents can sign up to receive weather alerts by phone, text message or email by clicking here.

Snow Emergency Levels:

LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.

LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.

LEVEL 3: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.