Seasonal
Winter Tips and Reminders
Snow Plowing
Winter of course brings snow plowing. Visit our Snow Plowing page for detailed information about how the Public Works department performs snow plowing, as well as topics related to snow plowing.
Residential Street Parking
After 1" of snowfall, residential street parking is not allowed, but residents are encouraged to avoid street parking during any winter weather conditions. Cars parked on streets greatly reduce the speed and efficiency of plowing and salting efforts. Requests for overnight street parking will not be granted during winter weather events.
How to Avoid or Fix Frozen Pipes
In extreme sub-zero temperatures, Public Works responds to many calls for frozen pipes. Lower lake water temperatures combined with cold air movement around plumbing fixtures can create freezing in water lines. Under these conditions, water can freeze in the lines in just a couple of hours.
What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze:
Shut off the water immediately. Do not attempt to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off. Freezing can often cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints.
- Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it, or by applying heat directly to a pipe. You can use a hair dryer, space heater or hot water. Be sure not to leave space heaters unattended, and avoid the use of kerosene heaters or open flames.
- Once the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for cracks and leaks.
When you are away:
- Have a friend, relative or neighbor regularly check your property to ensure that the heat is working and the pipes have not frozen.
- Also, a freeze alarm can be purchased for less than $100 and will call a user-selected phone number if the inside temperature drops below 45 degrees.
Lombard Village Code helps ensure better pedestrian access after snowfall
Village Code previously required public sidewalk clearing for all commercial properties in Lombard, regardless of location. The amended Code (2018) provisions require property owners to clear public sidewalks along the following street segments, regardless of the zoning designation.
St. Charles Road from Elizabeth Street to Martha Street;
- Main Street from Grove Avenue to Washington Boulevard;
- Park Avenue from Orchard Terrace to McGuire Drive; and
- Westmore-Meyers Road from Division Street to North Broadway.
When snowfall occurs, Village Code requires a path clearance minimum of 5 feet wide for commercial properties in the above listed designated areas. . The Code also requires that property owners are responsible to clear abutting sidewalks, as well as the sidewalk areas that lead up to intersections on corners. The Code is aimed at improving the safety of sidewalk segments that are commonly utilized by pedestrians.
Clearing of sidewalks will be required within 24 hours of the end of each snow event. Failure to do so may result in follow up action from the Village’s Code Enforcement staff.
Please contact Code Enforcement at (630)620-5757 for more information.
See FAQ Guide For Snow Removal
Driving in Winter Weather
Each year, on average, more than 5,000 people are killed and more than 418,000 are injured due to weather-related vehicle crashes. If you need to drive in snow or cold conditions, TAKE IT SLOW IN THE SNOW. Black ice can be difficult to see. If the temperature is near freezing, drive like you're on ice--you may be!
Before you leave the house, especially before a longer trip in winter, make sure all fluid levels are full and ensure that the lights, heater and windshield wipers are in proper condition. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Avoid traveling alone. Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes. Then call 511 for the latest traffic and road incidents, including construction and weather conditions and restrictions. Every state offers this Department of Transportation service. Call before you leave; it might change your plans!
Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins. Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit that includes the following:
Mobile phone, charger, batteries
- Blankets/sleeping bags
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Knife
- High-calorie, non-perishable food
- Extra clothing to keep dry
- Large empty can to use as emergency toilet, tissues, toilet paper and paper towels
- Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
- Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
- Shovel
- Windshield scraper and brush
- Tool kit
- Tow rope
- Battery booster cables
- Water container
- Candle and matches to provide light and in an emergency, lifesaving heat.
- Compass and road maps, don't depend on mobile devices with limited battery life