Posted on January 30, 2019
Almost every year we get at least one heavy snowfall, so we’ve gathered some helpful hints to make these events easier on everyone. Take a look below for information you can use to take some of the stress out of winter weather.
How to Shovel So Snow Plows Don’t Block Your Driveway:
Our Town crews work very hard during snow events to keep the roads as clear as possible. There’s nothing quite as frustrating as shoveling out the end of your driveway only to have it covered back over when the plow comes through. Unfortunately, there is no way for the plow operator to avoid this when clearing the road.
There is an easy way to shovel snow to prevent it from being pushed back across your driveway when the snow plow passes. When facing the street, shovel away the snow that is along the road (not just the sidewalk) to the left of the driveway entrance. By creating this open area of about ten feet, you’ll greatly reduce or even eliminate the chance of a plow pushing snow back across your entryway.
Also, if you shovel the snow already on your driveway off to the right, it prevents the plow from pushing it back in. These two strategies work really well together to keep your driveway entrance clear and avoid getting blocked in by the passing plow.
Click here for a video demonstrating the above techniques, courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Transportation.
Other Useful Tips for Coping with Snow:
- Keep streets clear during a snow event.
- Pay close attention to local news and weather, particularly regarding travel restrictions.
- Whenever possible, avoid parking on the street: This greatly helps the Town crew to clear as much snow as possible and reduces the potential for property damage by passing snow plows and other vehicles.
- Keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that the adjacent sidewalk is clear of snow and ice (and other obstructions).
- Town Trash/Recycling Collection: The Town will make every effort to follow the normal collection schedules during winter weather, but sometimes it is necessary to delay picking up trash and recycling. If that should happen we will post information on our website, Facebook and public access channel and send out a CodeRED notification. For more information or to sign up for CodeRED: Click here (http://berlinmd.gov/department/emergency-notification-2/)
- If you are unable to clear your own driveway or sidewalk due to a disability or other physical limitation, make sure you register with the Berlin Police Department Special Needs Alert Program (SNAP). Click here to print out a brief form
Categories: News
