OK Detroiters. You knew it was coming.

While we’ve had mild winters the last couple of years, Michigan is expected to have cold, snowy weather in the winter of 2017-2018. Let’s remember, though, it’s Michigan, so anything can happen with the weather and it’s a good idea to be prepared.

Here are the snow removal policies from the City of Detroit Department of Public Works (DPW). It maintains 673 miles of major streets and 1,884 miles of residential streets. To do that it uses a three-level system for snow removal during the winter weather.

Here’s how it works and what to expect:

Level 1

• 3 inches or less of snow and/or freezing rain
• DPW crews will salt only on major thoroughfare

Level 2

• 3 to 6 inches of snow and/or freezing rain
• DPW crews will plow and/or salt on major thoroughfares only

Level 3

• 6 inches or more of snow and/or freezing rain
• DPW crews will plow and salt on major thoroughfares
• The City will have 50-plus trucks on the streets until all the major thoroughfares under its jurisdiction are safely passable

For a Level 3 storm, the city may use contractors to plow residential streets depending on the snow accumulation, prevailing temperatures, and forecasts. If required, residential snowplow contractors will plow a 10-foot pass down the center of the street only and will not clear driveways.

PARKING REGULATIONS

There are also parking restrictions in snow emergencies.

Roadways identified as snow emergency routes will have signs prohibiting parking posted up to 48 hours in advance. Residents will also receive notices for street clearing from the media, as well as the City of Detroit website and cable channels.

In extreme weather, the city may declare a snow emergency, which will allow police to ticket and tow illegally parked vehicles on snow emergency routes so the streets can be plowed from curb to curb. During this time, any streets that have been marked by red and white signs are first priority for snow removal.

Residents and businesses are responsible for maintaining their sidewalks so they are safe for pedestrians. Snow removal companies and property owners are prohibited from putting snow from their property onto public roadways.

CITY OF DETROIT WARMING CENTERS

With the cold comes the need for warming centers to provide temporary relief to persons who are homeless and do not utilize existing homeless shelters available within city limits. The City of Detroit is contracting with Cass Community Social Services and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries to provide that temporary relief.

Cass Community Social Services, 1534 Webb, has 40 beds and provides services for families (male and female parents and children). The center is open from 4 p.m. – 8 a.m. Contact the Cass Community Social Services at (313) 883-2277.

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries has 100 beds for men only. The center, 3535 Third Ave. near downtown Detroit, is open from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. For information, contact the Detroit Rescue Mission at (313) 993-6703.

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries has a second location with 25 beds for women and children only. The center, 3840 Fairview between Mack and St. Jean, is open from 4:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. For information on this location, contact the Detroit Rescue Mission at (313) 331-8990.

The three facilities will operate daily during the cold weather months including holidays. The locations combined are expected to accommodate up to 165 persons at a time. During extreme cold, when temperatures drop to 10 degrees, services will be extended to include daytime hours.

In addition, the city reopened three warming centers in conjunction with two local nonprofit homeless these service providers.

Individuals experiencing homelessness in Detroit and in need of emergency shelter should call the CAM Call Center at (313) 305-0311.

Families with children will be directed to the Southwest Solutions Housing Resource Center at 1600 Porter St. from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., where staff will assist in exploring alternatives to shelter or determining a shelter placement for the night.

Cass Community Social Services, 1534 Webb, has 40 beds and provides services for families (male and female parents and children). The center is open from 4 p.m. – 8 a.m. Contact the Cass Community Social Services at (313) 883-2277.

Clients may be picked up by vans from organizations that offer outreach services or be referred by other homeless agencies. Clients will need to complete the intake process for admission.

All individuals are supervised at all times to ensure the safety and security. They are also provided with two hot meals, counseling, showering and sleeping accommodations. Clients are also encouraged to take advantage of other support services, such as referrals, housing assistance, health screening, and other related services.

For more information regarding the warming centers, call (313) 224-9974.

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