Winter Clean-Up Tips

Snow plow drivers work long hours before, during, and after a snowstorm to clear roads as much as possible. While plow drivers take care of public roads, residents can keep their neighborhoods safe by appropriately clearing sidewalks, driveways, and fire hydrants this winter.

Below are tips homeowners can keep in mind when managing snow and ice on their properties:

1. Sidewalks

Homeowners are responsible for keeping walkways in residential areas safe and clear of snow. Shoveling and the right amount of salt help to keep sidewalks open for students getting to and from school, mail carriers, and other residents walking in the neighborhood.

Shoveling snow before it gets walked on and compressed helps reduce the amount of ice that forms. Be Salt Smart. If you choose to use salt, remember that a 12-ounce cup of salt is enough to cover 10 sidewalk squares. Scatter salt sparsely across the squares so it is not clumped together.

Rock salt stops working when temperatures are below 15°F. Consider switching to a product formulated for colder temperatures if conditions are slippery.

2. Driveways

Snow plow drivers do their best to keep roads passable during the storm and then clear once the storm ends. Unfortunately, as snow is plowed off the streets, it piles up at the end of driveways and crosswalks. Due to the amount of snow, it is impossible to prevent this from happening.

It is the responsibility of the homeowner to clear this snow from the end of the driveway or crosswalk in a safe manner. It is illegal and unsafe for snow or ice to be put back on the road at any time.

3. Fire Hydrants

As plow drivers work to keep our streets safe and clear of snow, we need residents to help remove snow in front of fire hydrants on or near their property. This simple task can help save lives and property in the event of a fire.

Please remember that it is illegal and unsafe to shovel snow back out onto the street. Instead, shovel snow off to the side or behind the hydrant so that easy access can be maintained.

Thank you for doing your part to be Salt Smart and keep our neighborhoods safe during the winter season.