ADAMS COUNTY, ILL. --

The Adams County Emergency Operations Center is up and running in advance of the blizzard due to hit the area Tuesday.

City of Quincy and Adams County officials met in the county’s emergency operations center Monday, January 31 to discuss the incoming storm and review contingencies.

Here is information directly from Operations Center Director John Simon:

Officials are watching forecasts carefully and making final contingency preparations for the storm that is set to drop anywhere from 16 to 24 inches of snow.

The center activated to participate in a National Weather Service conference call and discuss emergency response actions over the next 2 to 3 days.

Both Quincy Central Services and Adam County Highway Department discussed response strategies with police, fire, and ambulance services.

Both departments are prepared to clear snow round the clock and ensure that emergency services can access calls.

Road crews are asking that individuals and businesses not to push or pile snow in or immediately next to public roadways.

This causes difficulty for road crews to completely clear roadways efficiently.

It is also asked that individuals move vehicles from snow emergency routes or major streets and highways to allow those areas to be cleared for emergency vehicle access

Based upon current forecasted models the major problems are anticipated to be travel/transportation infrastructure delays.

Individuals are encouraged to stay home and only travel if absolutely necessary. With the potential for strong winds and blizzard conditions, blowing and drifting will be problematic.

Rural residents can expect roads to take longer than normal to completely clear or keep clear.

People should make preparations now to stay indoors for several days should those situations present.

People should have a disaster supply kit on-hand both in their home and car if they travel out.

For more information on what should be stored or carried visit http://www.ready.illinois.gov/.

Officials have placed locations on alert and standby if warming shelters are required.

The normal monthly testing of all siren warning systems in Adams County has been canceled.