Home & Garden
Oak Forest Releases Winter Weather Tips Amid Snowfall
How to not get plowed in, what to do when a plow hits your mailbox and more winter weather tips from the city.

It’s finally starting to look like winter in Oak Forest, and the city government wants you to be prepared.
In light of the recent snowfall the city sent out a list of winter weather tips on Wednesday.
Here they are:
Find out what's happening in Oak Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
• The City of Oak Forest will tow vehicles that are on city streets after 2” of snow has fallen. No warnings will be issued. Vehicles must remain off city streets for 12 hours after the end of the snowfall. If your vehicle is towed, you could face fines up to $260.
• Do not shovel or blow snow from driveways into the streets as this can cause a hazard and is against city ordinance. When snow is shoveled into the street, the plow is likely to push it right back in front of the driveway. Although the city’s plows may leave some snow across driveway entrances, they try to keep it to a minimum. Regardless, please note, that Public Works will not remove snow from driveway entrances. The diagram at right demonstrates the appropriate way to remove snow from your driveway so you do not get plowed in.
Find out what's happening in Oak Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
• If a city plow physically strikes and damages your mailbox, Public Works will replace it with a standard mailbox as long as it was located in accordance with United States Post Office and City of Oak Forest standards. However, if the mailbox is incorrectly located or knocked down from the weight of snow rolling off a plow, the resident is responsible for replacing the mailbox. The department will not be responsible for decorative or brick mailboxes. If a decorative or brick mailbox is struck by a plow, a resident may be eligible for a reimbursement up to $40 from the city. If your mailbox is damaged, call Public Works at 708-535-4090 to request an inspection.
[Photo courtesy of Oak Forest]
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.