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City of Rochester

Winter weather safety

Rochester winters bring snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that require preparation and vigilance to stay safe.

This page provides essential tips for navigating winter while keeping yourself, your family, and your community safe.

 

A Getty Images photo of a snowy gutter.

General winter preparedness

  1. Winterize Your Home
    • Seal windows and doors to prevent drafts.
    • Insulate pipes to avoid freezing and bursting.
    • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
    • Keep an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food.
  2. Prepare Your Vehicle
    • Equip your car with winter tires and check tire pressure often.
    • Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent freezing.
    • Store an emergency car kit with a scraper, shovel, flashlight, blankets, and jumper cables.
  3. Stay Informed
Getty Images photo of winter boots on ice.

Staying safe outdoors

  1. Dressing for the Weather
    • Wear layers, including a waterproof outer layer.
    • Cover extremities with hats, gloves, and scarves to prevent frostbite.
    • Use footwear with good traction to prevent slips on ice.
  2. Snow and Ice Removal
    • Shovel driveways and sidewalks promptly.
    • Use salt or sand to improve traction on icy surfaces.
    • Take breaks while shoveling to avoid overexertion.
  3. Travel Safety
    • Drive cautiously in winter conditions; reduce speed and increase following distance.
    • Keep headlights on during snowfall for visibility.
    • Use public transportation when possible during severe weather.

Learn more: Homelessness resources in Rochester

A Getty Images photo illustration of winter emergency.

Emergency situations

  1. Power Outages
    • Report outages to RG&E at 1-800-743-1701.
    • Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards.
    • Avoid using portable generators indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  2. Hypothermia and Frostbite
    • Signs of hypothermia: shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
    • Frostbite often affects extremities. Warm affected areas gradually using warm (not hot) water. Do not rub frostbitten skin.
  3. Emergency Shelters
    • If you lose heat or power for an extended time, seek shelter. Contact Rochester 311 for resources.

Helping your community

  • Check on neighbors: Look out for elderly or disabled residents who may need assistance.
  • Assist with shoveling: Help clear walkways for those who are unable to do so.
  • Keep fire hydrants clear: Remove snow around hydrants to aid firefighters in emergencies.

City resources

Street Snow Plowing and Salting

The City of Rochester's snow and ice control efforts promote safe vehicular travel during the winter months. Snow removal efforts include snow plowing and, when necessary in congested areas, snow removal by loading and hauling snow away. 

City crews plow major and minor arterial streets. Contractors plow residential streets.

In most cases, other municipal agencies are responsible for snow and ice control on state highways. See State-owned Streets and Highways for additional information.

PlowTrax

PlowTrax is a web-based map showing where plows have been during a snow event. 

Learn more: PlowTrax

Street snow plowing factors

  • Residential plows are generally mobilized when three inches of new snow falls.
  • An average residential plow run is approximately 8 miles long and takes about 5 hours to complete under routine snow fall. Time is extended under heavy snow fall events. 

Salting Factors

  • To control ice, salt is applied on main arterial streets and on some secondary roadways that have special features (e.g., streets with schools, bus routes, bridges, hills, etc.)
  • Generally, salt is not applied to residential streets.

Parking during a snow storm

Residents must obey all parking signs and winter parking restrictions. To provide effective snow removal, the City may order that special parking restrictions be put in place. These restrictions will be announced through the media. Please refer to Winter Parking Rules for additional information.

Fees

Roadway snow plowing is financed by an embellishment fee on the property tax bill that is based on the property's front footage. Please see Embellishment Charges for Local Works for additional information.

Inquiries

Individuals with concerns about roadway snow and ice control can call 311 (from outside the City, call 585-428-5990).

Stay safe this winter, and let’s work together to keep Rochester prepared and resilient!

Back to Department of Emergency Management

Ice Skating in Rochester

All winter long, and even into the spring, you can enjoy the fun of ice skating in the City of Rochester!

The outdoor ice rink at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park boasts a kidney-shaped surface where patrons can enjoy an expanded warming shelter with a heated floor and fireplace. 

The indoor rink at Genesee Valley Sports Complex hosts many activities, such as adult skates, open skates, freestyle skating, skate and shoot, a youth hockey program, and much more!

 
Learn more: Ice skating in Rochester
A photo of a young girl ice skating at MLK Park during ROC Holiday Village 2017.

Spotlight on Rochester