Hints For Clearing Snow

Here are some helpful hints for handling winter's worst:

1. WAIT UNTIL THE SNOW PLOWS HAVE MADE A FIRST PASS BEFORE CLEARING YOUR DRIVEWAY. Be sure snow piles are located to the right of your driveway [see below]. This way, less snow will be re-directed into the driveway with each passing truck.
2. KNOW THE TOWNSHIP'S SNOW EMERGENCY PARKING REGULATIONS. Stay tuned to KYW (1060 AM) for all snow emergency announcements.
3. CLEAR YOUR SIDEWALKS AND CURBS. Neighborhood children need safe access to schools and bus stops throughout the winter months. Clearing your sidewalk helps children travel to school safely.
4. BE PATIENT. State, County and Township Crews will work around the clock, if needed, if ensure all roadways are cleared as quickly as possible.

Safe Snow Shoveling

Safe snow shoveling requires proper preparation, the right tools, good technique and knowledge.

Preparation

• talk to your doctor about this activity and your health status before winter season arrives
• think twice if you:
  • have had a heart attack or have other forms of heart disease
  • have high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels
  • are a smoker
• consider hiring a student or using a volunteer service if you are a senior
• shovel at least 1-2 hours after eating and avoid caffeine and nicotine
• warm up first (walk or march in place for several minutes before beginning).
• start slow and continue at a slow pace (suggestion: shovel for 5-7 minutes and rest 2-3 minutes)
• drink lots of water to prevent dehydration
• shovel early and often:
  • new snow is lighter than packed/partially melted snow
  • take frequent breaks

National Safety Council Snow Shoveling Hints

• Clearing snow from driveways and entrances
  This is the responsibility of the resident; the Township cannot provide this service. The plow operators do not have control over the windrow of snow coming off the edge of the blade, and fixed angle plows cannot be adjusted for the sharp turns required to clear driveways. To minimize the frustrating problem of the snowplow covering your driveway with snow after you've just shoveled it, stand facing the street and shovel snow into the yard instead of into the street.

Please lend a hand to elderly or disabled neighbors, who cannot clear their own sidewalks, porches and steps. Clear access ramps to enable our wheelchair bound neighbors the access they require during these periods when mobility is particularly challenging for them - and check to see if they have enough food on hand. TIP: Remove snow before pedestrians pack it down.