Important Holiday and Storm-Related Information

Greetings friends and neighbors,

Council President Keith Furman put together detailed information regarding holiday and storm-related changes to trash/recycling pickup, as well as helpful tips to prepare for the big weather event (just what the heck is a "bomb cyclone"?) predicted for tomorrow. I'n sharing the gist of it below.

First and foremost a reminder to sign up for Winter updates:

Call the Winter Parking Hotline: (608) 261-9111 | Winter Text Alerts | Winter Email Lists | RSS Feeds | Winter Facebook | Winter Twitter

No Trash & Recycling Collection on Monday, December 26

Streets Division drop-off sites also closed

In observance of the Christmas holiday, the Streets Division will not be performing trash, recycling, large item, or other solid waste collections on Monday, December 26 for people with regular Monday pickup. More information below about a change for people on Friday schedule.

Streets Division offices and drop-off sites will also be closed on Monday, December 26, 2022.

Trash & Recycling Collection
If your trash and recycling is collected on Mondays by the Streets Division, you should place your scheduled cart(s) to the curb for collection by 6:30am on Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

Only residents that have a Monday collection day will experience a delay in refuse and recycling pickup services.

If you have a Tuesday collection of trash and recycling by the Streets Division, you should also place your scheduled cart(s) out for emptying by 6:30am on December 27.

If you set your carts out after 6:30am for their scheduled pickup, you may miss your collection opportunity. You will need to wait until the next scheduled pickup day to have your carts emptied.

Large Item Collection
Due to the holiday, large item collection will get underway on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 for residents who submitted work orders to set out items on Sunday, December 25, 2022.

As a reminder, all large item collections must be scheduled in advance by submitted a work order.

You should set the items out on the date you selected in the work order – not earlier. Crews do not provide early pickup.

Create your large item work order at www.cityofmadison.com/LargeItemWorkOrder.

Drop-off Sites
The City of Madison drop-off sites will be closed on Monday, December 26, 2022 in observance of Christmas holiday.

The sites will reopen for their normal winter operating hours on Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

Check the Streets Division's website to verify the locations and hours before loading up a vehicle to bring material to a site. The drop-off site webpage is www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites.

Streets Division Drop-off Sites Closed December 22 and December 23

Sites will reopen Tuesday, December 27. Staff assigned to drop-off site operations will instead be used in response to the snowstorm.

Drop-off Sites Open on Wednesday, December 28
Due to the weather-related closures, the drop-off sites at 402 South Point Rd and 4602 Sycamore Ave will be open on Wednesday, December 28. The sites will be open from 7:30am to 2:30pm on this day.The Wednesday operations on December 28 is a one-off event related to the severe weather this week.

Residents should anticipate the drop-off site being closed on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 and every subsequent Wednesday as per the posted drop-off site operating hours that can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites.

Trash & Recycling Collection Suspended for Friday, December 23

Make-up Collection Will Occur on Monday, December 26

Due to the extreme winds forecast for Friday and the snowstorm clean-up operations anticipated to also occur, trash and recycling collection will be suspended for Friday, December 23.

Residents who have a scheduled collection day for Friday, December 23 should instead place their carts out for pickup by 6:30am on Monday, December 26. Do not place your carts out on Friday. The extreme wind could blow carts around the neighborhood, and perhaps even scatter recyclables.  

If you have a Thursday pickup day – secure your carts somewhere safe after they are emptied (preferably inside a garage, if you have one).  The high overnight winds could scatter empty carts around Madison.  

On December 26 the priority operations will be to continue with snow clean-up operations, but staff will also be deployed to make up the trash and recycling pickup.

No Change for Residents with a Normally Scheduled Monday Collection

If your normal scheduled pickup day is Monday, you should still plan on having your cart emptied on Tuesday, December 27 as previously announced (and noted above).

There is no change to the previously announced and published schedule for residents with a regularly scheduled Monday collection day.

More information regarding Streets Division services can be found on the Streets Division's website, www.cityofmadison.com/Streets.

ReadyWisconsin encourages people to prepare ahead of major winter storm 

With a significant winter storm forecasted to impact much of Wisconsin this week, everyone in the state is encouraged to take steps now to ensure they are prepared.

The National Weather Service is forecasting several states in the Midwest will be impacted by a winter storm beginning on Wednesday evening and lasting through Saturday, which will be capable of producing strong winds, significant snowfall totals and blizzard-like conditions. In addition, dangerously cold wind chills are expected into the weekend. The storm could result in hazardous travel conditions and power outages throughout the region, which is of particular concern during the busy holiday travel weekend.

"While the impact of this storm could vary widely across the state, it's still important for everyone to treat this situation seriously and take steps now to protect themselves and their loved ones," advised Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. "Get your emergency kits ready and have a plan for what you will do to remain safe if you lose power or are unable to leave home for a couple of days. With Thursday and Friday likely to lead to dangerous conditions on the roads, reconsider or delay and travel plans you may have on those days."

ReadyWisconsin encourages you to prepare before the storm by doing the following:

• Make sure you have food, water, and other supplies in a home emergency supply kit. It should also include a battery-operated or hand-crank radio and extra flashlights and batteries.
• Keep cell phones and other electronic devices fully charged in case you lose power.
• If you don't already have one, create an emergency supply kit for your vehicle. Include jumper cables, sand, a snow shovel, a flashlight and spare batteries, warm clothes, blankets, bottled, water and nonperishable snacks. Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
• If you have travel plans for Thursday and Friday, consider delaying them or leave before the storm. During a winter storm, stay off the roads if possible. If you must be on the road, check 511 Wisconsin for updates on major routes. It is available online at http://www.511wi.gov or through the 511wi mobile app.

During and after the storm, stay safe with the following tips:

• High winds combined with snow could result in homes losing power and delay the ability of utility crews to repair damaged lines. Have a plan on what to do if you lose power. Identify family or friends you may be able to stay with, along with contact information for your utility to report an outage and to receive updates on restoration times.
• If your heat goes out, close off any unneeded rooms. Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors. Close blinds or curtains to retain heat in your home. Remember to eat or drink, because food provides your body with energy to produce its own heat. Open your faucets to a steady drip so water pipes don't freeze.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If a power outage does occur and you use a generator, place it outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages. Never bring a grill or outdoor heating device into your home.
• If you are traveling and become stranded, call for help and stay with your vehicle. Run the motor about 10 minutes every hour for heat. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make your vehicle visible to rescuers by leaving a dome light on while the car is running and tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna.
• High winds could result in dangerous conditions along shoreline areas and cause branches to fall from trees.
• With frigid temperatures and windchills, limit your time outdoors and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.
• Check on friends, family, and neighbors who may need assistance.
• Protect you pets from winter weather by bringing them indoors or making sure they have adequate shelter outdoors.

For the latest forecast information about the storm, check in with your local National Weather Service office. Find them at https://weather.gov.

By all means, take care, stay safe, and walk like a penguin!

And may you all have a blessed and peaceful holiday,

Tag