Whitpain Township changes its snow emergency guidelines

As While Whitpain Township works to dig itself out from the weekend snowstorm, the township has announced it has changed its snow emergency guidelines.

Whitpain Township declared a snow emergency until further notice on Jan 18.

Public Works crews have brined main roads and plow trucks have been out to clear streets. However, the township alerted its residents of a change during these snowstorms. During a snow emergency, parking is prohibited on all streets in Whitpain until snow has been plowed for the width of the street.

This guideline applies to all streets, except those where only on-street parking is available. In this situation, vehicles should be parked on the even-numbered side of the street on even-numbered calendar days and on the odd-numbered side of the street on odd-numbered calendar days.

The Township's Snow Management Plan guides the snow removal operations.

The goal for snow removal is have all roads clear within:

• 8 to 12 hours for a 3 to 6-in. snowfall
• 12 to 16 hours for a 6 to 10-in. snowfall
• 16 to 22 hours 10 to 16-in. snowfall

Public Works crews plow 215 streets consisting of 67 miles of township roads. The first priority is to clear all primary routes and Collector Streets. Crews then begin plowing residential streets and cul-de-sacs. Vehicles parked on primary routes will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Crews attempt to clear all streets to the curb-line during snow removal. This may not be possible for properties when branches hang over the street, providing less than the required 12-foot clearance, or when trash cans and vehicles obstruct plowing operations.

The township also published its winter storm tips

1. Please remove trash cans from roads. Plows must go around trash cans and other obstructions, which prevents curb-to-curb plowing.
2. Please wait until plows clear your street to shovel your driveway apron. This will help prevent your driveway from being plowed in.
3. As you shovel, please clear fire hydrants near your property and make sure your mailbox is accessible.
4. Please leave at least 100 feet between your car and snow plowing equipment.
5. To report a snow-related issue during a storm, please call 610-277-2400 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Outside of those hours, please call 610-279-9033.
6. Call 911 to report an emergency during a storm.
7. To report a power outage, please call PECO at 1-800-841-4141 or report the outage online. Do not assume that a neighbor has already called PECO. Please do not call Police to report power outages. Click here for the PECO website.
8. Please keep your electronic devices charged in case of a power outage.