By Staff
NILES - As they work to clear the heavy snowfall which has accumulated over the past 18 hours, Street Department crews are having difficulty plowing with vehicles still parked on the streets.
Not only does this hamper snow plowing operations, but many times it creates a bigger snow removal project for a neighbor next door. If there is a driveway just past a vehicle that is parked the street, the snow plow winds its way around the vehicle but leaves a large area in front of the drive that it is unable to plow.
Winter Weather Tips
Here are a few tips for winter safety:
1. To assist the snow removal crews, please try to locate your vehicles in off street locations during snow or ice events. Weaving in and out of traffic is not only very dangerous for the plow operators, but hampers their ability to clear all streets from edge of roadway to edge of roadway.
2. Do not plow, shovel or blow snow into the street. This is obviously contrary to the overall snow removal plan and is against the law.
3. Do not plow, shovel or blow snow onto a public sidewalk. The sidewalk is to be kept free of snow and ice and a clear passageway is needed for pedestrians. Piling snow on the walk may force a pedestrian to walk into the street which can result in an injury or death.
4. If a fire hydrant is located near your home, please keep snow shoveled away from it. Keeping the hydrant visible and accessible to firefighters will improve their ability to respond to a fire in your neighborhood.
5. If you have an elderly or disabled person living next door, try to assist them with snow removal.
Emergency crews (fire, police and ambulance) will have a much easier time in responding to an emergency medical call if the sidewalk and drive are kept clear of snow and ice. It can make a difference between life and death.