Multiple Chicago agencies came together Tuesday at the Office of Emergency Management and Communications to prepare for the impending snowfall that will hit the city this winter.
The OEMC’s multi-agency workshop, led by Rich Guidice, says the city has learned a lot from major snowstorms that have slammed the city in the past five years.
“We do many workshops through the year,” Guidice said. “We always talk about communication and coordination—and accountability.”
Guidice said the OEMC pays particularly close attention to the winter season in Chicago.
The Department of Streets and Sanitation had been one of the most important agencies taking part in the workshop. Representatives offered suggestions to motorists as the city gets nearer to what could be a harsh winter with more snow than last year’s, according to the National Weather Service.
“We have the city ramped up and ready to respond when necessary,” Guidice said.
The OEMC also listed the top five Chicago snowstorms during the meeting.
Local
1. Jan. 26-27, 1967 with 23 inches of snow
2. Jan. 1-3, 1999 with 21.6 inches of snow
3. Feb. 1-2, 2011 with 21.2 inches of snow
4. Jan. 13-14, 1979, with 20.3 inches of snow
5. Feb. 1-2, 2015 with 19.3 inches of snow
As for this coming winter, which could be much snowier than the last one?
“Just keep in mind that with snow there are residents who could use some help, you know, shoveling each other out, and just be a good neighbor.” Cole Stallard of the Dept. of Streets and Sanitation says.
