Ask An Officer

Question: On cold mornings, I heat up my car by letting it run while parked in the driveway, and I’m inside my house staying warm. Is this illegal?

Answer: This is actually a very good question and of course, this time of year, a timely one. The short and legal answer to it is "yes."  Euclid Codified Ordinance 351.06(a) titled, “Unattended vehicles; Duty to lock ignition, Remove key, Set Brake, Etc.”  reads, "No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, effectively setting the parking brake, and, when the motor vehicle is standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway. The intent of the law when placed on the books was to prevent anyone not privileged to have control over the vehicle to take/steal the car.  Even to this day, the City of Euclid does experience cars being taken in this scenario. Crime prevention good behavior would suggest that you take your morning beverage with you to your car, bundle up very warmly and sit in your auto while warming it up. The extra couple of minutes you take will assure that your vehicle will be right where you left it when you started/parked it. 

Ralph J. Doles, Jr., Executive Officer, Traffic Division Commander 

Question: During storms and cold weather, sometimes my electricity goes out. Should I call 911?

Answer: You should only call 9-1-1 if you’re experiencing an emergency. If you’re dependent on electricity to provide power for home oxygen or other medical devices – dial 9-1-1. If lines are down and a fire is present, dial 9-1-1. Should you need to report a general outage, contact 888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877). This number is automated so please listen carefully to the selections. You may also report power outages at www.firstenergycorp.com; downloading the First Energy app (Android® and Apple®) or text 544487 with OUT (report power outage). Please have your account number readily available or register your cellular phone to be associated with your billing address if you do not have a functioning landline phone. 

Always use caution around low hanging or downed power lines – NEVER touch lines connected to home-to-pole, home-to-home or pole-to-pole as for they could be live and/or cause serious injuries or death.

Kelly A. Parton, Supervisor, Communications and Records

If you would like to submit a question to "Ask An Officer," contact Community Policing at the Euclid Police Department:  email kmclaughlin@cityofeuclid.com or call 216-289-8449.