The City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and local organizations offer a variety of resources for residents who need help when the temperature drops and the snow starts falling. Here are some of them. If we’re missing anything, please let us know by calling or texting (216) 220-9398.

If you need help at home

Here’s who to call:

• Emergencies: 911

• Non-emergency, snow-related service requests: 311

• Social services for seniors and people needing shelter: 211

• Power outages and downed lines: Cleveland Public Power, 216-664-3156, or FirstEnergy, 888-544-4877

• Burst water mains: Cleveland Water, 216-664-3060

Read more about City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County snow-related services and resources.

If you’re wondering where the snow plow is

You can follow the snow clean-up progress on the snow plow tracker that the city launched in 2022. The city is responsible for clearing main, secondary and residential streets. Home and business owners are responsible for clearing snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks. The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Turnpike Commission handle the interstates.

How long does it take a snow plow to clear my street?

Per the city of Cleveland, there are 3,000 lane miles in the city. Plowing can take between 3-4 days, depending on how many inches of snow has accumulated.

• 1-4 inches: 24-36 hours
• 4-6 inches: 36-48 hours
• 6 inches or more: 48-72 hours

The City is responsible for clearing main, secondary and residential streets. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is responsible for the interstates. Home and business owners are responsible for clearing snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks. 

If you need to venture out in the snow

AAA recommends drivers keep an emergency kit in their vehicle. Emergency kit essentials include: 

• Cell phone car chargers
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit 
• An ice scraper or snow brush and shovel
• Gloves, warm clothes and blankets 
• Drinking water
• Non-perishible food
• Traction aids such as salt or non-clumping cat litter
• Reflective or warning triangles to put outside the vehicle in the case of a breakdown
  
  Taking the bus: Check first for Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority service alerts bus or train delays.

If you want to be a “Snow Hero”

Do you have a snow shovel or blower and some time to help out in your community? The City of Cleveland’s Department of Aging is looking for Snow Heroes — volunteers to shovel steps, ramps and sidewalks for older adults and residents with disabilities. You can sign up online, by sending an email to ​​jsmith21@clevelandohio.gov or by calling 216-857-7165.

No matter where you’re shoveling, do it safely!

If you need a place to stay tonight

The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless offers a seasonal shelter for adults and their pets at 1530 E. 19th St. The hours are 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. (Here’s how you can donate items to the shelter.)

The Metanoia Project’s seasonal shelter for adults is at 11115 Kinsman Road. The hours are 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. and pets are welcome “if they’re friendly.” (Here’s how to donate.)

Anyone, including families, experiencing homelessness can call 211 for help.

If you need a winter coat or accessories

There are a few resources for individuals and families who need some extra layers to get through the cold months.

Pearlz Inc. 5th Annual Coats for Kids

• When: Dec. 13, from noon to 4 p.m.
• Where: Fatima Family Center at 6600 Lexington Ave. in Cleveland
• Details: Free coats for kids. Take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Another Chance of Ohio 

• When: Store open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
• Where: 2974 E. 65th St. in Cleveland
• Details: New and gently worn clothes for all ages. 
• Donations: Accepted Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  in the yellow box at the side of the store. 

Everything’s Free! Shop – Children’s Closet 

• When: First and third Friday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon; second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon
• Where: Peace Lutheran Church, 3740 Mayfield Road in Cleveland Heights
• Details: Free shop for baby items, children’s toys, and clothing up to size 6x. 
• Donations: Clean, gently used clothing and baby items (no car seats, mattresses or furniture) accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you’re worried about your pipes freezing

Pipes in unheated spaces, including garages and basements, are most vulnerable to freezing. But pipes on exterior walls or under kitchen or bathroom cabinets are also at risk. Here are some tips to prevent freezing and what to do if a pipe has frozen.

Is it safe to eat snow?

It depends, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Freshly fallen snow should be consumed only in moderation. It may look beautiful and yummy but snow can collect contaminants, dust and allergens that could make you sick.

Some guidelines:

• Don’t eat snow that has been shoveled, walked on or plowed
• Don’t eat black or yellow snow – just snow that is pristine and white
• Scoop off the top layer, after snow has been falling for a few hours

If all you really need is a seasonal haiku

Winter brings us close
We turn to loved ones and sigh
“Why do we live here?”

Signal Cleveland reporters Frank W. Lewis and Najee Hall contributed to this report.