[Vision2020] PR - Winter Weather Watch

[Stephanie Kalasz]

Press Release - City of Moscow Winter Weather Watch

 

To:      Interested Media

From:  Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor

            206 E. 3rd St., Moscow, Idaho 83843

Telephone: (208) 883-7006; Fax: (208) 883-7018

E-mail: griedner at ci.moscow.id.us

c:         Mayor, City Council, All City Users

Re:      City of Moscow Press Release

Date:   December 18, 2008

 

For Immediate Release:

 

City of Moscow Winter Weather Watch

 

Moscow, Idaho, December 18, 2008 - The City of Moscow would like to
share important information on avoiding frozen pipes and street,
sidewalk and fire hydrants snow removal procedures.

 

Avoid Frozen Pipes

*	Leave cabinet doors under sinks open, especially if they are
located on exterior walls.
*	Set thermostats no lower than 55 degrees, even if the house is
unoccupied.
*	Do not remove snow from the tops of water meter boxes unless it
creates a safety hazard. An accumulation of snow will help insulate the
water meter service and prevent freezing.
*	Do not open water meter boxes as this will allow any natural
heat to escape and may contribute to freezing of the water system. 
*	Please call the water department for any problem with the water
meter or emergency water shutoff.
*	If your pipes do freeze, the best way to defrost pipes those is
to use a hair dryer, or call a plumber.  If the system is frozen at the
meter box, call the Moscow Water Department at 208-882-3122
*	For more information please contact the Moscow Water Department
at 208-882-3122.

 

Information on Street Snow Removal

*	After snowfall events, major streets and arterials are plowed
first, and repeatedly depending on the rate of the snow fall, followed
by the lesser traveled residential areas. 
*	During heavy snowfall events residents are asked to park off the
street to allow plows to clear as much of the roadway as possible. 
*	If residents have a concern regarding a street that has not been
plowed please call 208-882-COPS.
*	The Moscow Pullman Highway, Highway 8 and Highway 95 are State
roads and snow removal on these routes is performed jointly by the City
of Moscow and the Idaho Transportation Department.  
*	The street crews works on staggered shifts during the late fall
and winter each year.  When a storm event occurs the crews begin
operations based on their shift schedules.  If the storm is significant
enough to warrant continued or additional operations the crews work
extended hours regardless of time or day of the week.  

	*	If a series of storms occurs additional staffing is
added from other divisions of the Public Works Department to ensure
round the clock operation of all snow removal equipment.

*	For weekend and off-hours events snow removal operations are
activated based on the road conditions and the severity of the storm
events.  Work schedules, staffing levels and budgets have very little
weight in this determination as it is based on the driving conditions
and safety of the citizens.
*	For more information please contact the Public Works Department
at 208-883-7034.

 

Citizen Sidewalk Maintenance

*	Under a Moscow City ordinance, it is the responsibility of the
adjacent property owner to keep sidewalks clear of snow and debris. 
*	Moscow City Code - Title 5 Public Ways and Property

	*	Sec. 9-3 Owner to Remove - It shall be the duty of every
owner of any land, building, or lot within the City to remove snow
and/or ice from adjacent sidewalks to permit the safe pedestrian passage
upon said sidewalks bordering said property and to abate the nuisance
set forth in this Chapter.  This duty applies to natural snowfall; it
does not extend to snow displaced onto sidewalks by City snowplows after
an owner has removed natural snowfall.

*	For more information please contact the Public Works Department
at 208-883-7034.

 

Keep Fire Hydrants Cleared

*	Citizens are requested to be observant of fire hydrant locations
to ensure that emergency access to those hydrants is maintained. 
*	Hydrants on dead end streets and near parking lots are
especially susceptible to being blocked. 
*	The Water and Fire Departments request that a two to three foot
circle around the hydrants be left clear of significant snow
accumulations to provide clear emergency access. 
*	If residents are unable to clear a hydrant or wish to report a
blocked hydrant, please call the Moscow Water Department at
208-882-3122.

###

 

 

Jen Pfiffner

City of Moscow

Assistant to the City Supervisor

206 E Third Street

Moscow, ID 83843

(208) 883-7123

 

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