Here are some tips and reminders to help make/keep winter a happier time for all of us.
Winter Parking Restrictions
Follow Maple Plain's winter parking restrictions. Don't park your car on the street from November 1 through April 15 between 1 am and 7 am or after a three-inch or more snowfall. This not only ensures more effective plowing, but also helps you avoid a citation.
Child Safety
Please remind them to:
Never build tunnels or snow forts in the snow banks near the street. The force and weight of the snow coming off the plows can collapse the tunnels or forts and harm the child.
Keep sleds and toys out of the street and away from the edge of the road. Snow banks make it difficult for plow drivers to see children playing in these areas. Children should never play near the edge of the road.
Stay away from the plow. If a plow is on your street, children should stay back at least 20 feet or more from the road. It is is best to have children play near the house as the snowplow approaches and stay there until the plow has passed.
Motorist Safety
Plows travel slower than other vehicles. Reduce your speed, don't crowd the plow.
Don't pass snow removal equipment while it is plowing and never drive into the snow cloud.
Keep your distance from trucks that are plowing or spreading de-icing material. Frequent back is necessary during these operations and visibility to the rear is very restricted.
Refuse/Recycling Containers
If trash/recycling pickup day coincides with plowing activities, make sure your trash can and recycling bin are well behind the curb or in the driveway so the plow will not hit them.
Removing Snow
To help minimize snow from the snow plows filling up your already-cleared driveway, pile shoveled snow on the right side of the driveway as you're facing the street.
When removing snow, do not push, blow, shovel, or store snow onto the across roadways. Doing so not only creates hazards for drivers, but also makes it difficult for the City to keep the streets clean. If you hire a contractor, make sure to remind them.
It is the property owner's responsibility to remove snow from sidewalks adjacent to the property.
Preventing Sod Damage
Placing reflectors along the curb can help prevent sod damage by making it easier for plow drivers to see and follow the road edge during operations.
Hydrants
Please help keep fire hydrants clear of snow. In the event of a fire, valuable time may be lost if the fire department has to locate and/or remove snow from a hydrant.
Mailbox
While it is not required by the City of Maple Plain, clearing out your mailbox is recommended to help ensure mail delivery.
