FACT SHEET
TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCY
ORDINANCE OF WAYNE COUNTY
Level I – Travel Warning
Level I Travel Warnings are designed to inform motorists of hazardous driving conditions so they can drive with extra caution. Warnings may be issued for a variety of unusual hazardous conditions which affect roadways including high water, ice or snow, trees or limbs down on roads, utility poles or power lines blocking roads, damage debris on the roads or other situations. The purpose of a Level I Travel Warning is to inform. No unusual restrictions on travel or parking are imposed by a warning. Motorists are free to travel at their discretion, but should exercise caution to ensure the safe operation of their vehicles.
Level II –Essential Travel Permitted Transportation (or Snow) Emergency
This classification may be declared when the Commissioners determine there is a significant threat to the operation of motor vehicles on county roads. County’s roads are hazardous. Specified roadways or large sections of the county roads network are closed or impassable. Travel may be significantly delayed and motorists exposed to existing conditions may risk injury. As stated in the name, this emergency classification allows motorists to travel for essential purposes. The Ordinance defines essential travel as follows:
-You may travel to and from work. - You may travel to a place of safe shelter.
-You may travel to obtain essential medical care. - You may travel to obtain essential medications.
-You may travel to obtain essential supplies of food or fuel.
Non-essential travel is prohibited. Examples of travel for non-essential purposes would be entertainment, recreation, or to obtain non-essential items.
Level III –Travel Prohibited Transportation (or Snow) Emergency
The Commissioners may declare a Level III Travel Prohibited Transportation Emergency when conditions place motorists at great risk of injury or even death. The major portion of the roadway network is closed or impassable or conditions make it unsafe to operate highway maintenance vehicles. A declaration of this emergency classification represents an extreme emergency situation of disaster proportions and indicates the need for extraordinary measures to clear roadways of hazards. Blizzards, heavy ice storms, major floods, wide spread damage debris or direct damage or destruction of roads and bridges may result in the declaration of a Level III Travel Prohibited Transportation Emergency. All county roadways are considered closed to non-emergency vehicles. Travel by the general public is prohibited. Members of emergency response organizations and critical occupations may travel to conduct necessary emergency operations and maintain critical functions. The ordinance describes these groups as follows:
Emergency Personnel includes rostered members of law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services, search and rescue, rescue squads, military, disaster relief organizations, emergency management and requested mutual-aid, partner organizations.
Critical Occupations includes employees of utility companies, highway departments, wrecker services, fuel suppliers, hospital and healthcare organizations, news media and railroad employees.
OTHER PROVISIONS
PARKING PROHIBITION. Parking on county roads is prohibited during any declared transportation (or snow) emergency.
STALLED VEHICLES. Motorists whose vehicles become stalled or stranded on the roadway during a declared transportation or snow emergency are required by the ordinance to take immediate action to have the vehicle towed, removed or pushed off the roadway. Vehicles left in the roadway impede snow or debris removal actions and can delay emergency vehicles responding to emergency calls.
REMOVAL AND IMPOUNDING OF VEHICLES. Vehicles which are found parked, stalled or abandoned on a county roadway during a transportation or snow emergency will be towed or removed at the owner's expense. The vehicles will be impounded until the owner pays the costs of removal and any storage fees. If your car is removed and impounded, contact the Wayne County Sheriff's Department to find out where it was taken.
REQUIREMENTS FOR UTILITY COMPANIES. Utility companies are required to survey damaged utility systems where poles or wires or other utility components are obstructing roadways. The utility company must make sure the damaged utility system is safely de-energized or other wise make it safe for the obstructing components to be removed and the roadway cleared. The utility company is required to respond in a timely manner and to coordinate its actions with the County Highway Department. Downed wires and poles not only obstruct normal motor vehicle travel on the roadway but also block the road for needed response by emergency vehicles.
FINES AND PENALTIES. Any person convicted of violating any provisions of the ordinance may be fined up to $150.00.
Preparedness Recommendations
Level I – Travel Warning
When a Level I Travel Warning is issued for Wayne County, you should follow these preparedness recommendations;
-Check your supply of medications, groceries or other needed supplies. Keep at least a three (3) day supply of essential items.
-Check for other needs such as batteries, heating fuel, kerosene, candles, snow shovels, etc.
-Make sure vehicle fuel tank is kept full and vehicle has been serviced and ready for expected conditions. Check emergency supplies in your vehicle.
-If you must travel, call ahead, plan your route, allow extra travel time, and tell someone where you are going, your route of travel and your expected arrival time. Plan your route to avoid reported hazardous areas. Don't take un-necessary chances. Travel by main roads whenever possible.
-Listen to your local radio stations for weather, travel information and emergency information. Do not call 911 for travel information.
Level II – Essential Travel Permitted Transportation (or Snow) Emergency
When a Level II Essential Travel Permitted Transportation (or Snow) Emergency is declared, follow these preparedness recommendations:
-Listen to local radio stations for travel, weather information and emergency bulletins. Do not call 911 for travel information.
-Call ahead before you travel. Make sure you are expected to report for work. Make sure any business you intend to visit is open.
-Discuss your rights and responsibilities concerning reporting for work with your employer before severe weather strikes.
-Make sure you have appropriate emergency supplies in your vehicle.
-Travel by main highways whenever possible, even if this is not the most direct route. Plan your route of travel to avoid reported hazardous areas. Allow extra travel time.
-If you must travel, tell someone where you are going, what route you will take and the approximate time you plan to arrive.
-Conditions are dangerous. Don't take un-necessary chances.
Level III – Travel Prohibited Transportation (or Snow) Emergency
Recommended preparedness actions for a Level III Travel Prohibited Transportation Emergency include:
-To travel under existing conditions places motorists at extremely high risk of injury or death. Be prepared to stay where you are.
-Employers should make arrangements to provide emergency shelter for employees who are at work.
-Have an Emergency Supplies Kit prepared and use it.
-Listen to local radio stations for emergency information and instructions. Call 911 only if you need emergency assistance.
-Use telephones only for emergency calls. Keep necessary calls short so that telephone systems will be available for emergency needs.
-Check on neighbors who may need assistance.
-Use auxiliary heating and lighting devices such as kerosene stoves and lanterns safely and only with proper ventilation. Be especially conscious of fire hazards.
-If traveling, get off the road as soon as possible. Find a safe place to stay until the emergency order is lifted. Do not leave a vehicle parked on the road or the right-of-way.