The City is divided into four zones consisting of eight districts, the central business district, and the state expressways within the City limits. Each district has designated primary and secondary routes. Primary routes receive priority attentions during snow and ice control operations. These routes are treated so as to achieve bare pavement as soon as possible following the conclusion of a snowstorm. The department's objective is to have all primary and secondary routes treated and/or plowed within 24 hours following the conclusion of a snowfall.

During snow and ice conditions, emergency calls from the Police and Fire Departments regarding accidents, medical or other emergency conditions are given priority. Requests for treating non-priority streets during a snow event generally cannot be honored. We ask all citizens to recognize that snowfalls do not discriminate in the creation of treacherous road conditions. The conditions that prompt a call about poor road conditions probably exist throughout the City. Rerouting equipment in response to such a call disrupts the pattern that is designed ultimately to clear the entire City of hazard. It is the responsibility of the City Street/Sewer Department to provide an adequate driving surface as soon as possible following the onset of a snowfall.

At the onset of a snowfall, the efforts of the department are initially directed toward priority routes. The department treats priority routes so as to achieve bare pavement. Upon completion of the designated priority routes, the department moves on and begins treatment of secondary streets. Flat secondary routes are spot salted with emphasis at intersections and stop signs. Streets in residential areas are considered lower priority and are spot salted after priority and secondary routes are completed. Alleys, as a rule, are not salted. The department will, however, salt alleys that are hazardous, for example, those that are on hills and empty out onto primary or secondary routes. The department will also respond to requests to salt alleys as time and conditions permit.

** During continuous snow storms, all snow plows (roughly 30) are on the roads. Main arteries and emergency snow streets are cleared continuously, with snow plow drivers often working straight through, often for 24 hours or more. Once the snowfall ceases and the main arteries are cleared, the snow plow drivers begin to clear secondary streets.

In emergency situations, paramedics and firefighters will make their way down snow-covered secondary roads. However, a public safety issue would ensue if emergency vehicles were not able to manuever the main arteries, which lead to the secondary roads.

There are nearly 900 lane miles to plow in Canton.

Life in northeast Ohio generally produces several such storms each year. **