Fayette  County Sheriff's Office

Special News

SNOW EMERGENCY GUIDE

 The purpose of a snow emergency is to warn the public of dangerous road conditions and assist county and state highway departments in the keeping the roadways clear.  In past winters many residents and businesses were confused when a snow emergency declaration was initiated.  Hopefully, this guide will help you understand the declaration and the conditions under which it is called.

Pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code section 311.07 and 311.08, the county Sheriff may declare a snow emergency and temporarily close all or certain highways, roads and streets within his jurisdiction when such action is reasonable necessary for the preservation of the public peace.  Ohio Attorney General's opinion 97-015, issued April 1, 1997, concludes that this authority includes all federal and state highways, county, township and municipal streets and roadways.

Snow Level Classifications:

In an effort to clarify the snow level classifications, each level has been classified with wording to help explain each level.  The level range from 1 to 3, with three being the most serious.

Level One:  A snow alert declaration by the Fayette County Sheriff is designed to advise motorist of hazardous road conditions created by ice, blowing and drifting snow.  No roadways are closed, although unnecessary travel is discouraged by if deemed necessary, extreme caution is urged.  Generally, snow is accumulating on the roadway with dropping temperatures may create dangerous road surfaces.   A snow alert is a LEVEL ONE classification.

        The following announcement will be made when a level one SNOW ALERT declaration is made by the Sheriff's Office:

        "A snow alert has been declared the Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth.  Due to conditions caused by ice, blowing and drifting snow, Fayette County roadways are hazardous.  This declaration includes:  All county, township, city and state roadways   or the following roadways in Fayette County...

Caution should be used in traveling Fayette County roadways.  Give yourself adequate travel time and allow more distance between vehicles.

 LEVEL TWO:  A snow advisory declaration by the Fayette County Sheriff is advising motorist that all or certain roadways in Fayette County are hazardous with icy spots, blowing and drifting snow causing low visibility.  Only persons who deem it necessary to travel should be on the roadways.  The Fayette County Sheriff's Office urges extreme caution.  Employees should contact their employer to determine if they should report to work.  A snow advisory is a LEVEL TWO classification.

        The following announcement will be made when a level two SNOW ADVISORY declaration is made by the Sheriff's Office:

        "A level two Snow Advisory has been declared by Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth.  Ice, blowing and drifting snow have caused low visibility on Fayette County roadways.  Due to hazardous driving conditions all roadways in Fayette County have been closed.  OR The following roadway in Fayette County have been closed.... OR No roadways are closed, but extreme caution should be exercised. 

LEVEL THREE:  A snow emergency declaration by the Fayette County Sheriff is declared when ice, blowing and drifting snow has created extremely hazardous road conditions.  Low visibility, extremely low temperatures, and worsening road conditions has caused the closing of all or certain Fayette County roadways to all but emergency and essential persons.  No one should be on the roadways unless absolutely necessary.  Employees should contact their employers to see if they should report for work.  All non-emergency and non-essential personnel traveling the roadways during he LEVEL THREE snow emergency may be subject to prosecution under the Ohio Revised Code section 2917.13 for misconduct at an emergency.

        The following announcement will be made when a level three SNOW EMERGENCY has been declared by Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth:

        "A level three snow emergency has been declared by Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth.  Due to extremely hazardous conditions caused by ice, blowing and drifting snow has closed the (all the roadway in Fayette County) or (the following roadways in Fayette County).  This declaration is in effect for the listed roadway only.  Travel on these roadways is limited to emergency and essential personnel only.  No one should be on these roadways during the duration of this snow emergency unless absolutely necessary.  All employees should contact their employer to determine if they should report for work.  All non-emergency and non-essential personnel traveling the roadway during this snow emergency may be subject to arrest and prosecution under section 2917.13 of the Ohio Revised Code for "misconduct at an emergency".

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL:  The definition, in part, of essential is something necessary, fundamental, indispensable or unavoidable.

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office is without authority to arbitrarily determine what occupations, job descriptions or duties constitute essential or non-essential employees.   Persons who claim to be enroute to or from work or any other legitimate errand or business are to be given full benefit of doubt when considering the filing of charges or misconduct at an emergency.  It is the intent of Ohio Revised Code section 2917.13 to control bystanders, curiosity seekers, thrill seekers and any one else, who without good reason, generally interferes during an emergency, or anyone who fails or otherwise ignores a reasonable order of a law enforcement officer at or during an emergency.