[Vision2020] PR - City of Moscow Winter Weather Tips

[Stephanie Kalasz]

City of Moscow
Administration
206 E Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
Contact: Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor
p     |  208.883.7006
e     |   griedner at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:griedner at ci.moscow.id.us>
w    |  www.ci.moscow.id.us<http://www.ci.moscow.id.us>

PRESS RELEASE
City of Moscow Winter Weather Tips

February 5, 2014 (Moscow, Idaho) - The City of Moscow would like to share important information on keeping sidewalks clear, snow removal procedures, avoiding frozen pipes, and keeping fire hydrants clear.

*NEW* Snow Plows and Roll Carts

·        Moscow residents are asked to promptly remove solid waste care from the curb line or collection area throughout the year.  This is especially important during the winter months with snowfall when City of Moscow Street Crews are plowing roadways and sidewalks.

·        To assist street crews, residents are asked to remove rolls carts from the curb line or collection area by 12 p.m. (noon) the day after their scheduled collection day.

·        To ensure uninterrupted garbage service during snow events, residents are asked to provide and maintain clear access to roll carts with a minimum three (3) feet of clearance from any obstacles.


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.

o   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.

·        Cleared snow should not be pushed in streets or other public rights of way.

·        Know of a snow-obstructed sidewalk? Contact us by phone at 208.883.7097 or by email at snow-sidewalk at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:snow-sidewalk at ci.moscow.id.us>.

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 work 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.

·        In 2010, the City Council authorized the Snow Removal Proclamation Ordinance.  When a significant amount of snow falls, a Snow Event is proclaimed by the Mayor.  At that time, notice is sent out via local newspapers, radio and TV station.  Within 12 hours of the notice, all snow routes, which are designated and signed throughout the city, must be cleared of vehicles.  This allows City crews to clear the entire street on each route, allowing for safer travel routes within the city.

·        To report an issue, call the Streets Shop at 208.883.7097.

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 is to use a hair dryer, or call a plumber.  If the system is frozen at the meter box or other issues, call the Moscow Water Department at 208.882.3122.

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 2 to 3 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.


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Story Contact:   City of Moscow Water Department 208.882.3122
                                City of Moscow Public Works Department 208.883.7034

The City of Moscow delivers quality municipal services while ensuring responsible use of resources. We anticipate and meet the needs of our diverse population in order to build public trust and enhance a sense of community.






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