City officials reminded residents today to prepare for snow in the City of Newark late tonight, continuing through Thursday, leaving as much as 12 inches on Newark streets.
City officials also reminds residents to take the time to learn about Emergency Snow Routes and other snow rules that will be enforced.
During snowstorms, the City mobilizes personnel and vehicles to spread salt and plow roads as conditions dictate. The first priority for salting is hills, bridges, and major arteries that lead in and out of the City’s borders. Residents should not shovel snow back onto streets after they have been plowed.
This becomes a safety hazard and an additional cost to the City because the road has to be re-plowed. The City of Newark requests the cooperation of all residents to help the snow cleanup effort.
“The City of Newark is facing another snowfall late tonight and tomorrow morning. I encourage residents to stay home and off the roads during and after the storm, as we move to clear the streets.
Keep your cars parked in your driveways if possible. Our residents must do their part and be good neighbors by continuing to take action to ensure the safety of their homes, their sidewalks and their neighborhoods,” Mayor Baraka said. “I urge everyone to abide by our ordinances.
When you shovel snow, please keep it out of the street, for the safety of motorists and emergency vehicles, and do not shovel it onto fire hydrants. When driving, take your time and drive safely.
Most importantly, if you know of residents who may be vulnerable, such as our seniors or those with infirmities, please take a moment to check on them. We can all be good neighbors during this time.”
Signs that read “No Parking When Road is Snow Covered” are posted on Snow Emergency Routes. Cars parked on those routes will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
On all other streets, residents should park their cars on the side with even house numbers only (examples 38, 116, 354, etc), to keep the streets clear for snowplows and emergency vehicles. Resident must also not shovel snow into the street or into storm sewers.
The Non-Emergency Help Center, (973) 733-4311, is available for the following:
Lists of Snow Emergency Routes
Locations of Warming Centers
To make Snow and Ice Complaints
To reach the No-Heat Hotline
Residents are encouraged to observe ‘good neighbor’ tenets while weathering the snowstorm, by abiding by the following laws:
Park vehicles in your driveway, so that the plows can get through to remove snow and ice.
If possible, share your driveway with neighbors or secure vehicles on off-street lots.
Clear snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of your storefront or home.
Do not throw snow into the street. Place the snow on your lawn, on the side of your home or in the rear of the property.
Remove snow and ice from hydrants and/or drains near your home.
If you must venture out, take public transportation or carpool where possible.
Home and property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from all private residential and commercial property, including areas in and around driveways, sidewalks, and walkways.
The City of Newark does not provide snow removal services to private property – residential or commercial.
If there is no sidewalk outside of a residence, then snow should be piled on the left side of the driveway (stand facing the residence).
If there is a sidewalk in front of the residence, pile snow to the left of the driveway behind the shovel (stand facing the residence).
After the street is plowed, the front of the residence should remain clear of obstructions for parking.
In addition, Offcicisls reminded residents that shoveling snow on top of fire hydrants is illegal and can result in a $1,000 fine in Newark Municipal Court.
Snow-covered hydrants can delay firefighters in responding to life-threatening fires. Residents who hurl shoveled snow onto fire hydrants endanger themselves and their neighbors. When firefighters have to remove snow from a covered hydrant, it uses up time they need that could make a difference in saving a life. Residents should never shovel snow onto fire hydrants.
Residents were urged to “adopt” hydrants near their homes and businesses, to keep them clear.