Frequently Asked Questions: Snow Level Alerts

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Snow Level Alerts are another type of emergency alert system strictly for notifying the public via text when the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office issues a declaration, modification or cancellation of a Snow Level. This system utilizes a program called Nixel Channels and it is also administered by Everbridge. It costs about $5,000 per year.

A Snow Emergency Level is a declaration by a county sheriff’s office that reflects the fact that severe weather conditions exist but is focused more on driving conditions and whether or not it’s safe to be out driving on the roadways in a county. It is NOT the same as a watch or warning about weather conditions: Those are issued by the National Weather Service.

In Ohio, these are the Ohio Revised Code definitions for the three levels of snow emergencies:

  • 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.

Text DELCOSNOW to 888777. You will receive an acknowledgement text back that indicates you are signed up to receive all future Snow Level Alerts.

This system only generates texts. It does not generate emails or phone calls.

When the Sheriff’s Office makes the decision to issue, modify or cancel a snow emergency level, the information will be entered into a program. That program then sends texts to all phone numbers that have opted in to receive these texts.

Yes. Any phone number in the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii) can sign up to receive Snow Level Alerts for Delaware County by texting DELCOSNOW to 888777. Phone numbers outside the U.S. cannot.

No.

Text STOP to 888777.