Residents in Edwardsville are being urged to take precautions during the winter months as cold temperatures and snow impact the area. City officials advise residents to monitor weather advisories, avoid heating hazards, and take steps to stay warm.
The Public Works Department is monitoring forecasts and will respond as needed to road conditions. The city has prepared by stocking salt, trucks, and other supplies for the season. Main roads are prioritized for salting and plowing to ensure emergency services can travel safely. After main roads, crews focus on side streets, arterial routes with higher traffic, subdivisions, residential areas, alleys, and cul-de-sacs.
Residents are encouraged to limit travel during hazardous weather. Those who must drive should exercise caution and leave extra space between vehicles. Snow plows and salt trucks require additional room to operate safely. Residents are also asked to use off-street parking when possible and remove obstacles from streets.
To contact the Public Works Department about winter operations or road conditions, residents can call 618-692-7535 during business hours or email publicworks@cityofedwardsville.com.
The city has issued several safety tips for heating during winter:
– Do not use ovens or stoves as alternate heat sources due to carbon monoxide and fire risks.
– Plug portable heaters directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords or power strips.
– Keep portable heaters clear of other items.
– Dress in layers when going outside.
– Maintain adequate fuel levels in vehicles and keep spare blankets, gloves, and hats available.
– Use generators outdoors at least 20 feet away from windows or doors.
For those needing shelter from the cold, several warming centers are available in Edwardsville when temperatures fall below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit). These include the Edwardsville Public Library (112 S. Kansas St.), Main Street Community Center (1003 N. Main St.), YMCA Meyer Center (7348 Goshen Road), and YMCA Niebur Center (1200 Esic Drive). Hours vary by location; residents should check with each site before visiting due to possible holiday closures. A full list of warming centers is available at www.211helps.org/warming-sites/.
When temperatures reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, an overnight warming location at First Baptist Church of Edwardsville (534 St. Louis Street) may open depending on conditions; updates will be posted on the OWL’s Facebook page.
In emergencies, residents should call 911; non-emergency police matters can be directed to 618-656-2131.
To prevent frozen pipes during low temperatures, recommendations include allowing water faucets to drip slightly, opening cabinet doors under sinks for air circulation around pipes, keeping thermostats set appropriately even when away from home, and closing garage doors if water lines run through garages. If pipes freeze but do not appear broken or cracked, gentle heat such as a blow dryer or towels soaked in hot water may help thaw them.
Further information on local resources can be found by dialing 211 day or night.
