As the third major snow-storm of the winter is beginning to ramp up its furry this morning, I thought it would be useful to review the Snow Emergency rules per the State of Ohio.
Ohio operates under a “three-level” emergency warning system. Basically the first is a “warning” second is a “suggestion” and third is a “rule”. But, of course because it is a governmental situation, there are always exceptions. The levels according to the Ohio Committee of Severe Weather Awareness are:
Photo by Rui Caldeira and used with permission
- LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
- LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.
- LEVEL 3: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.
There are two common misconceptions that I encounter when talking with people about the snow emergency situations that I’d like to address here.
- First, is the misconception that a Level 3 makes it illegal to be on the roads. Which is not an accurate statement, though it is not advisable to be on the roads in either a Level 2 or a Level 3. The key words in a level 3 snow emergency are “absolutely necessary” and “subject”, hence if you have a reason to be on the roads you are not in violation of the law. And going to pick-up beer is not a viable reason. Being an essential employee at your company and being required to be at work is a reason to be on the roads.
- Second, is the idea that the “city” didn’t declare an emergency so I’m fine. From Civics class — thanks Danville High School’s Mr. Holmes and Mr. Beheler — you’ll remember that when an emergency is declared the county sheriff – in Delaware that wouldd be Walter Davis III – becomes the “point person” and all other governmental officials fall under his guidance. So if Sheriff Davis issues a Level 3 Snow Emergency it covers EVERY road in Delaware County from interstate to state to county to city to township.
Violation of the snow emergency standards will put you in violation of misconduct in an emergency (ORC 2917.13) which can be punishable by a jail sentence not to exceed 30 days and/or a fine not to exceed $250. If the misconduct creates a risk of physical harm to persons or property it becomes punishable by a jail sentence not to exceed 180 days and/or a fine not to exceed $1,000.
Not that we usually have to do much with this in Delaware County. I can only remember a couple of times in the eight years we’ve lived here that the County has gone to a Level 2 snow emergency and once that we’ve reached Level 3 status.
