Scrape, lift, toss, repeat: Sidewalk shovel surfing- prevent the wipeout
The Dalles, Ore., Jan. 18, 2024 — Sidewalks got snow?
Pull out the shovel.
Time to roll.
With the advent of several more inches of snow, city leaders are asking locals to chip in and clear sidewalks in front of their homes or businesses so that all of us can get around a bit easier while reducing the chances of falling or slipping.
Yes, of course, you can wait until it stops snowing. What is not ok, is letting it pile up for days.
Generally speaking, snow is expected to be removed daily- within two hours of dawn to be specific.
And while government rules are black and white, weather conditions are not - best efforts are required given the circumstances.
Golden Rule - treat your sidewalks as you would want others to treat theirs if you have to walk them.
That is more easily said than done as freezing rain, hammered us all on Wednesday, Jan. 17. Ah what a great puzzle. Gravel, Sand, Ice Melt, and Cat Litter thrown on a shoveled sidewalk can help immensely. - there are many ways of creating traction for our friends and neighbors.
Legal intent is to keep people safe.
Business and home owners in The Dalles are required by law to remove snow and provide traction for ice spots. Property owners can be held accountable for people hurt who slip on sidewalks adjacent to their homes or businesses.
From the City of The Dalles:
City of The Dalles Codes Enforcement is reminding residential and commercial property owners that snow and ice removal on sidewalks are the responsibility of the owner or person in charge of the adjacent property, in accordance with The Dalles Municipal Code 5.04.080, safe passage must be cleared within the first two hours of daylight each day. Shoveled snow must be piled on private property, not in the street.
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