Waste Management

Waste Management (WM) will be operating on a one-day delay, during the week of January 26, 2026, with service running Tuesday through Saturday. This means that Monday service will be collected on Tuesday, and Tuesday service will be collected on Wednesday. This pattern will continue through Saturday.

Cold Weather Advisory

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect through January 28, 2026, until 11 a.m. Wind chill values may reach -15 to -20 below. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.

Stay Safe, Stay Prepared

Winter in Westfield can bring a variety of weather conditions, including snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. The City of Westfield is committed to helping residents stay safe and prepared during winter. Use this guide to prepare your home, vehicle, and family for the challenges of winter weather.

Winter Storm Alerts

Stay informed about the latest weather conditions and emergency alerts:

NOAA Weather Radio: Stay tuned for real-time updates.

Hamilton County Emergency Management Facebook

Indiana Travel Advisory Map: Check county travel statuses and restrictions 

Local News Outlets: Follow reliable news channels for Westfield-specific updates.

Warming Sites

Dailing 2-1-1 is the most reliable method to find the nearest open warming shelter in Hamilton County.

Westfield Winter Weather Treatment Plan

• Learn more about the Winter Weather Treatment Plan here
• Interactive Snow Map: Users can click the “Legend” button on the left side to see which streets are primary and secondary. 
  • Please note that if neighborhood streets are privately maintained, WPWD does not treat these roadways. When viewing the above interactive snow plow map, privately plowed streets are denoted by a dotted line.

Utilities

Reporting Power Outages:

• Duke Energy: Customers can report power outages by texting “OUT” to 57801 or by calling 800-343-3525. They may also report an outage online at duke-energy.com/outages or through the Duke Energy mobile app. Duke Energy will provide customers with estimated power restoration times as soon as those times are determined.

Protect Your Pipes

Freezing temperatures can lead to burst pipes. Protect your home with these tips:

Before Freezing Weather:

• Insulate all exposed pipes outside or in unheated areas (garages, attics, basements, crawlspaces, etc.).
• Cover foundation vents.
• Remove garden hoses from outside faucets and insulate faucets (Styrofoam covers can be purchased at home improvement stores).
• Winterize irrigation systems during the winter to prevent freezing and damage.
• Ensure the water meter lid is properly seated and covering the meter box.

In Sub-Freezing Weather:

• Keep your home temperature set no lower than 55 degrees.
• Let water drip slowly from inside faucets, especially if the sink is adjacent to an outside wall.
• Open cabinet doors underneath sinks to expose the plumbing to room temperature.
• Close garage doors.
• If a washing machine is in an unheated area, shut off water to the machine.
• Remove garden hoses from outside faucets and insulate faucets.

If You Suspect Your Pipes Are Frozen:

• Use a hair dryer or rags soaked in hot water to thaw lines; do NOT use open flame.
• Water is usually available in at least one faucet; check other faucets for running water.

Winter Driving Tips

Driving in winter weather requires extra caution. Follow these tips to stay safe.

Prepare Your Vehicle:

• Check tire tread and pressure.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Stock an emergency kit with a blanket, flashlight, snacks, and a phone charger.

Drive Safely:

• Reduce speed and increase your following distance.
• Avoid sudden braking or accelerating.
• Be aware of black ice on bridges and shaded areas.
• For road condition updates, visit IN.gov Travel Information.

De-Icing and Salt Use

To minimize the environmental impact of salt removal from snow and ice:

• Shovel First: Remove as much snow as possible before applying salt.
• Apply Sparingly: Use only the necessary amount of salt and apply it evenly.
• Sweep Up Excess Salt: After the ice melts, sweep up any remaining salt to prevent further runoff.

Consider Alternatives:

• Magnesium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate: Less harmful to plants and the environment.
• Sand or gravel: Provides traction without the same level of contamination.

Key Environmental Impacts:

• Excess Salt Runoff: Impacts aquatic life by altering water chemistry and disrupting ecosystems. Stormwater runoff carries these contaminants into local waterways, including streams and rivers, potentially affecting our drinking water sources and aquatic habitats.
• Soil Damage: Salt can leach into the soil, damaging plants and altering soil pH levels.

Emergency Preparedness

Ensure your household is ready for winter emergencies:

Create a Winter Emergency Kit:

• Water and non-perishable food for three days.
• Flashlights and extra batteries.
• Medications and first aid supplies.
• Warm clothing and blankets.

Plan for Power Outages:

• Have a backup heat source, such as a propane heater or fireplace.
• Use generators safely outdoors and away from windows.
• Charge devices and keep extra battery packs on hand.

Definitions: Winter Storm Terminology

• Winter Storm Warning: Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
• Winter Storm Watch: Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.
• Winter Storm Outlook: Issued before a Winter Storm Watch. The Outlook is given when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible and are usually issued 3 to 7 days before a winter storm.
• Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure.
• Winter Weather Advisories: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet, which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.

Last Updated: 1/27/2026 at 12:55 p.m.