What to Know for Snow!!

What to Know for Snow!

Did you know that property owners should clear the snow from adjacent sidewalks, including pedestrian ramps and sidewalks running along the back or side of property lines or fences, within 24 hours after a snow storm has ended? Cleared sidewalks provide a safe way for non-drivers in our community, such as children, the disabled and senior citizens, to get around. This year City staff are taking a proactive inspection approach and will monitor areas within three blocks of the City's 135 schools and five hospitals. Property owners should also be aware they may be held liable for claims resulting from an un-cleared sidewalk. If an HOA is responsible for snow removal in your neighborhood, be sure to have their contact information on-hand. The Park Maintenance Division's Special Improvement Maintenance District (SIMD) is responsible for clearing some areas (in parts of Briargate, Norwood, Stetson Hills, Woodstone and Old Colorado City), visit www.SpringsGov.com/snow for maps to see what areas residents or HOAs may still be responsible for. To contact the City regarding sidewalk snow removal inspections, call 385-5977 or via e-mal at CityEngineering@SpringsGov.com.

Have your emergency supplies ready to go before the storm hits. Colorado is frequently caught by winter storms and you can avoid many dangerous problems by planning ahead. Following a disaster, it may be necessary for you to survive on your own during the first few days. The City's Office of Emergency Management recommends that families stock enough supplies to last a minimum of three days. Not only will an Emergency Supply Kit see you through common winter storms, but it could also be invaluable in the event of other emergency situations. National Weather Service forecast information for Colorado Springs is available by calling 573-6846.

The City's 45 snow routes are designed to clear primary thoroughfares during and immediately after a storm followed by secondary roads. Once those are clear, a single lane is plowed on residential streets on an as-needed basis based on 16 neighborhood grid areas. The Street Division automated snow hotline is 457-7669 or via e-mail at StreetDivision@SpringsGov.com.

Visit www.SpringsGov.com/snow for fun facts and more snow information.

Sidewalk Snow Removal Tips

• Be prepared. Have a lightweight, sturdy and ergonomically correct snow shovel pre-purchased and ready to go or check that your snow blower is working. Pre-purchase de-icer (if you have pets, think about a de-icer friendly to pet paws). Consider contracting with a local company to provide snow removal service (be sure to get several estimates, ask about additional charges, check references and have a written agreement).
• As soon as snow begins to stick, spread de-icer to help slow the freezing process. Sweep up remaining de-icer once the area is dry to prevent damage to the concrete (it can also be re-used.)
• If the sun has begun to melt the snow, be sure to clear your sidewalk before night temperatures have a chance to freeze solid any remaining snow.
• To avoid injury, wear shoes or boots with good tread, lift with your leg muscles keeping your back straight, scoop lighter loads of snow rather than a heavily packed shovel, avoid twisting the back, instead pivot the whole body and walk to where you are depositing the snow rather than reaching or tossing it.
• Shovel snow onto your lawn rather than into public streets to avoid having the snow end up back on the sidewalk once a snowplow clears the street.
• Take frequent breaks to rest and check for frostbite.
• If you are unable to remove a patch of ice, crack it with an ice chisel or heavy-duty scraping tool to expose the surface to the air and help accelerate the melting process. Birdseed can also be used as an environmentally friendly traction material.
• Consider your neighbors and whether they are elderly or disabled and may need assistance.

Winter Emergency Supply Kits

Emergency supply kits should be individually tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family. Visit www.SpringsGov.com/snow for a more extensive idea list. Here are some items to consider:

• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• First aid kit with manual and fire extinguisher
• Minimum three-day supply of non-perishable foods that don't require cooking and use little water, such as: ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, juices, soups and boxed or canned milk; high-energy foods like peanut butter, crackers and granola bars and comfort/stress foods like cookies, sweetened cereals, candy, and instant coffee or tea bags
• Water (1 gallon/per person/per day)
• Extra pet food and water
• Warm bedding and extra clothing
• Manual can opener, flashlights, candles and matches
• Essential medications
• Tool kit
• Baby supplies (diapers/formula)
• Denture supplies
• Disposable cups, plates and utensils

Don't forget to also prepare your vehicle for winter by checking the antifreeze, replacing worn windshield-wipers or tires and swapping to winter mix windshield-wipers fluid. In addition, pull together a winter survival kit for your vehicles. Include:

• Blankets and warm clothes (boots, socks, hats and gloves)
• Windshield scraper, flashlight with extra batteries and booster cables
• Bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow for added traction), tow rope, tire chains and collapsible shovel
• mobile phone