Winter Storm Preparedness

With the Winter Weather Advisory for this weekend we thought that this would be a good time to recycle our "Be Storm Aware and Prepare" advice.

Winters in New Jersey can be messy.  Our storms are often challenging combinations of snow and ice.  They create a higher risk for car accidents, power outages, and a variety of health issues. 

We offer the following winter weather tips to help you better prepare for the cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds that can characterize a typical New Jersey winter.  

Be Storm Aware - Prepare!

A winter storm can last a few hours or several days; knock out heat, power, and communication services; and place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk.  The best time to prepare is now, before the actual need arises.   The United States Department of Homeland Security at their ready.gov portal offers the following general storm preparedness recommendations:

• Familiarize yourself with winter storm warning procedures.
• Have your snow removal equipment serviced & ready.  Purchase sand or kitty litter for traction on walkways and Calcium Chloride for melting ice.
• Make sure that your heating fuel is topped off.
• Listen to local officials.  Sign up for the Swift911 Community Notification System from Ewing Township via text, phone, or email. 

Winterize & Prepare Your Home Before the Cold Weather Arrives

Now is the time as autumn nears its end to winterize your home to reduce property damage and provide protection.

• Insulate your walls and attic.
• Caulk and weather strip doors and windows.
• Install storm windows (or cover with plastic).
• If you have alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood- or coal-burning stoves, or space heaters, be sure they are clean and in working order.
• Install and check smoke detectors.
• Keep your pipes from freezing.  Wrap pipes in insulation or old newspapers.
• Know how to shut off water valves.

Disaster Readiness

General disaster readiness preparations are invaluable no matter what time of year or what the emergency.

• Prepare emergency kits for your home, work and the car.
• Have flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
• Have a portable, battery-operated radio with extra batteries.
• Make sure your first aid kit is up-to-date and that your prescriptions are refilled.
• Have a one-week supply of food on hand (include non-perishable items in case the power goes out).
• Keep your gas tank full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Be prepared in case you get stuck while driving.  Keep a warm blanket in the car along with a snow shovel and some sand or kitty litter. 
• Practice your emergency communications plan. 
• Don’t forget the needs of your pets.   

During the Storm

Please stay inside and limit your driving trips to essential travel only. 

• Stay up-to-date on the incoming weather.   Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
• Be prepared to evacuate if you lose power or heat and know your routes and destinations.
• Know where the local emergency shelters are.
• Stay indoors and dress warmly.
• Conserve fuel by lowering thermostat to 65°
• Use generators outside only and away from windows.  Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
• Limit your time outside.  Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Drive only when necessary and prepare your vehicle for snow conditions.  If you become trapped in your car, stay inside. 
• Check on your neighbors.  The elderly and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.

After the Storm Health Tips

Stay alert to cold weather dangers.  Dress warmly and wear several layers of loose-fitting warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.  Wear mittens instead of gloves.  They are warmer.  Cover up.  That includes a hat and a scarf to help prevent loss of body heat. 

• Limit your time outside if it is excessively cold.  
• Take breaks when shoveling snow.  Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart.  Overexertion when shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack.
• Watch for frostbite which can cause loss of feeling around the face, fingers and toes. 
• Stay off the roads as instructed during weather emergencies.  Don't Crowd the Plow.
• Help firefighters by keeping hydrants clear.

Snow Plowing and Snow Removal

We also offer a gentle reminder of Ewing Township ordinances as they relate to snow removal and a summary of snow removal operations in the Township. 

Snow Plowing

Ewing has approximately 110 miles of roadways that are plowed by the Township’s Department of Public Works.  The policy for removal is straightforward... the busier the street, the higher the priority.

County roads in Ewing are plowed by Mercer County Road Crews and the State of NJ Road Crews plows Interstate 95, Pennington Road (Rte. 31) and Rte. 29 (River Road). 

De-icing materials are spread at the beginning of a snow event to prevent the bonding of snow or ice to the road surface. Plowing operations begin when sufficient snow exists to be a hazard to traffic.  It takes approximately 24 to 36 hours to complete service to Ewing Roads in entirety.  Ewing Township is only responsible for the removal of ice and/or snow from Ewing owned roads.

How You Can Help in a Snow Emergency

• Please park all vehicles in driveways and off the streets.  This allows more efficient snow removal by road crews and emergency workers to respond quickly. 
• Do not throw snow into streets when clearing your property.  This can cause dangerously slippery conditions for both motorists and pedestrians.
• Follow Township/State guidance about when you can drive during a winter storm emergency.

Damages/Complaints

The Township’s snow removal crews work diligently to keep roads snow free and clear.  Operating snowplow equipment is a visually difficult task.   Visibility is reduced by the weather event itself and the need to work through the night depending upon the timing of the storm.   Staff make every effort to avoid damage to private property that is too close to the street.

For problems call:
Ewing Roads - (609) 882-3382
Mercer County Roads - (609) 530-7500
State of N.J. DOT - (732) 308-4086

Snow Regulations for Property Owners & Residents

Keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice is everyone’s responsibility!

Ewing Township does not maintain any sidewalks with exception of the sidewalks at municipal facilities. 

• Property owners are responsible for removing snow from their sidewalks in a path wide enough to enable pedestrians to freely pass within 12 hours of daylight after the snow/ice has fallen. (See Township Code, §325-1)
• On street parking is prohibited during a snow emergency until the streets have been plowed sufficiently and to the extent that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic.  See Township Code, §225-6). 

CLICK HERE to view this information in brochure format.