Coshocton County Emergency Operations Plan
WINTER STORMS
ANNEX L
APPENDIX C - WINTER STORMS
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this appendix is to address winter storms hazards and to provide action plans for
residents.
II. SITUATION and ASSUMPTIONS
SITUATION
1. Some degree of winter emergency will affect Coshocton County each year. Winter storms can last
several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, and extreme
cold.
2. Severe winter conditions can isolate the public by becoming stranded on roadways or trapped at
home without heat or utilities and vital services.
3. Preparing for winter is essential for the citizens of Coshocton County, as well as emergency
response groups including sheriff, fire, EMS, public works agencies and departments, utility
companies, both public and private, and other emergency volunteer groups.
4. Residents of Coshocton County need to prepare for and expect to receive the following winter
conditions:
1. /Blizzards and heavy snow
2. Freezing rain
3. Power outages affecting phones, water supplies and heat
4. Impassible road conditions and becoming stranded
5. High winds
6. Ice jams
7. Cold weather exposure
8. Frozen pipes
ASSUMPTIONS
1. There is a need to educate the public to take emergency precautions ahead of the storm.
Supplies, water and emergency kits and household plans should be prepared before severe weather
arrives.
2. Educational programs on winter preparedness and education are done annually by way of media
releases and distribution of brochures and pamphlets.
3. Residents need to know how to winterize their home and characteristics of a safe auxiliary heating
source for the home. Home owners need to know how to wrap pipes to assist in keeping them from
freezing.
4. Learn how to keep warm in a cold house by layering clothing and by putting blankets over windows
and doorways, etc.
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5. See the Emergency Preparedness Checklist on The EMA's web site (www.coshoctonema.com) for
winter action items.
6. The Sheriff may call a Snow Emergency. This will be accomplished by using the Emergency Alert
System and cable television. However, if power is out, only those with the battery-operated radios will
hear the advisories. All Hazard Alert Radios can be purchased in department and electronic stores
and are backed up by battery.
III. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
1. THE CITIZENS OF COSHOCTON COUNTY

The National Weather Service (NWS) will typically predict an advancing winter storm.
Local radio (WTNS), and cable television will relay the approaching storm information and
predict duration, snow fall, wind, and temperature.

Sheriff's deputies on duty monitor local road conditions and advise of dangerous road
conditions.

Avoid unnecessary auto trips. Many times the Sheriff will come on the radio with a
message, while we may not be under a Snow Emergency, that unless you “have to travel”
it is advised that you stay home.
2. THE EMERGENCY RESPONDER

Winter storms do not take exception to the emergency responder who has to make the
usual number of calls for emergencies due to illness, fires, or complaints. It is escalated
due to the weather situation with more calls of sickness, with some weather related.
There are more house fires due to people trying to keep warm using unsafe heating
practices, and an abundance of accidents due to the icy and snowy roadways.

The emergency responder also needs to practice and prepare ahead of time, ways and
means to lessen their burden in time of severe winter weather. Reliable vehicles with
good tires are of utmost importance. Pack extra clothing.

It is important that the citizens of Coshocton understand that even if they are stranded at
home, so may the emergency workers. Departmental SOPs are developed for this type
of situation to try to get personnel to work; however, transportation may be impossible.
3. SCHOOLS

All schools in the county have All Hazard Weather radios. Once the forecast is to such a
point, the school has written plans on when to dismiss the children and start sending them
home if school is in session. Procedures vary depending upon the school district. If the
forecast and weather situation is evident before the school day starts, school will be
canceled for that day.
4. SPECIAL NEEDS RESIDENTS

Special needs persons, such as the elderly who live alone and the handicapped, need
special attention in extreme winter weather. When the EOC is activated, emergency
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responders will make every effort to arrange assistance for these residents. See the
Basic Plan for more details.
IV. ORGANIZATION and ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Refer to Basic Plan, Basic Plan 2.8 - Assignment of Responsibilities
Annex A - Direction and Control.
V. ADMINISTRATION and LOGISTICS
In extreme winter weather, when there is significant power outages and blizzard conditions, it is
possible that the Emergency Operation Center will be activated to coordinate the relief help.
Refer to Basic Plan, Annex A - Direction and Control.
VI. PLAN DEVELOPMENT and MAINTENANCE
FEMA Policy and Guidelines for Public Assistance
http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/9523_1.shtm
9523.1 Snow Assistance Policy
Refer to Basic Plan, Section 2.3.
VII. AUTHORITIES and REFERENCES
Refer to Basic Plan, Section 2.5.
VIII. ADDENDUMS
Tab 1 - Declaration of Restricted Road Use
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Tab 1
Declaration of Restricted Road Use
Section 311.07 of the Ohio Revised Code authorizes the Sheriff to restrict or close normal vehicular
travel, excluding emergency and public safety vehicles, on the county and township roads of
Coshocton County, Ohio, during times of extreme weather or other emergency situations, so as not to
interfere with those work vehicles and crews authorized to combat the emergency and promote public
safety.
LEVEL 1:
Roadways are hazardous with blowing and / or drifting snow.
Roads are also icy.
Drive very cautiously.
LEVEL 2:
Roadways are hazardous with blowing and / or drifting snow.
Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways.
Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
LEVEL 3:
All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel.
No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel.
All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.
Those traveling unnecessarily on the roadways may subject themselves to arrest.
There will be no enforcement of Level I or 2, unless that particular situation creates a condition that is
unsafe to that vehicle or public travel upon that roadway.
There will be enforcement action taken for unnecessary vehicular travel for those found driving under
a Level 3 warning, if that driving creates a safety concern or causes a risk of physical harm to
authorized users of the roadway, or impedes the movement of those public safety vehicles needing to
be on the roadway to combat the emergency weather conditions or to promote public safety.
Source: Coshocton County Sheriff's Office, May 2007
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