Day: January 18, 2008

Most of the slush has melted but….

Residents, Merchants: Please Remember to Shovel Your Sidewalks When
Posted by: “Lyons, Nancee (DPW)” Nancee.Lyons-at-dc.gov
Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:29 am (PST)
Residents, Businesses Urged To Clear Snow/Ice from Sidewalks, Entrances

DPW Encourages Citizens to Help Others Unable to Shovel

The Department of Public Works (DPW) urges District residents and businesses to clear their sidewalks, sidewalk entrances, nearby catch basin openings, and the area surrounding hydrants of snow, sleet and ice to prevent injury to pedestrians. DPW also asks businesses to make sure the handicap ramps located at intersections are clear of snow and ice.
“After a snowfall, we get many complaints from pedestrians who are having difficulty traveling because so many residents and business owners don’t clear their sidewalks,” said DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr. “I want to remind residents that DC law requires all property owners to clear snow, sleet or ice from the walkways surrounding their property within the first eight hours of daylight
after a snow storm ends.”
While DPW does not have the authority to issue tickets to residents for failure to remove snow from sidewalks, the agency can and will enforce this law with commercial property owners. The main goal however, says Howland, is to educate both residents and business owners about their responsibilities during a snow event and to encourage them to be good neighbors.
“When I was a kid, we made a little extra money shoveling snow and helped our elderly, ailing, and frail neighbors,” Howland said. “It’s important to establish and maintain a sense of community in our neighborhoods.
“Many communities have developed lists of those willing to shovel snow for neighbors who are unable to shovel on their own,” Howland continued. “I encourage all communities to identify those in your neighborhood who are willing to provide this service so that our sidewalks are safe and passable for all.”
For more information about how the District handles snow events, visit DPW at www.dpw.dc.gov on the Internet.
Nancee Lyons
Public Affairs Specialist
DC Department of Public Works
2000 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 671-2637
www.dpw.dc.gov

Of course, I don’t pay the neighborhood kids or lawn guys for shoveling, I’ve seen the quality of their work.