A Delaware County Emergency Management staff member said the county uses three travel-advisory levels—advisory, watch and warning—to guide public behavior during hazardous winter conditions.

The staff member said an advisory is the lowest level, meaning routine travel is allowed but hazardous conditions may exist in some areas and motorists should use caution. "Understanding travel advisories can help keep you safe during hazardous winter conditions," the staff member said.

During a watch, officials said conditions are threatening to public safety and only essential travel is recommended, such as commuting to work or responding to emergencies. The staff member said businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations should activate their emergency plans when a watch is issued.

A warning is the highest level and may restrict travel to emergency workers only. The staff member said a travel warning is issued in conjunction with a local disaster declaration by elected officials and directs the public to follow specific actions. "During a warning, you should refrain from all travel, comply with necessary emergency measures, cooperate with public officials and disaster services, and obey lawful directions from properly identified officers," the staff member said.

The staff member advised residents to check road conditions before traveling, to drive slowly and carefully on wet or icy roads, and to monitor county and state channels for current advisories. Current information for Delaware County is posted at dcema.org; the staff member also cited the Indiana Department of Homeland Security travel-advisory map at in.gov/dhs and the Delaware County Emergency Management Facebook page as update sources.