City Snow Removal Policies, Tips Available On-Line

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With light snow this past weekend, and additonal snow likely at some point this winter, the City of Yakima has policies and tips to help deal with the challenges of winter weather.

When snow accumulation reaches three inches, the City of Yakima will plow the major arterial streets, and the streets near schools, hospitals, hills and other critical locations. A map showing City snow routes and a plow map are available at www.yakimawa.gov/apps/snow-routes/

If you have concerns with the plowing of your street, please call 576-6713.

It is the responsibility of property owners in Yakima to remove snow from sidewalks in front of their homes or businesses. The best time to shovel snow is immediately after it falls and before ice can begin to form.

Those who are elderly, disabled or have other special conditions that make snow removal hazardous can contact the Office of Neighborhood Development Services (ONDS) at 575-6101.

Other snow-related tips from the City of Yakima’s Public Works Department include:

  • Put safety first and drive only if necessary during winter storms. Dress warmly and be prepared for travel delays.Don’t follow a de-icing spray truck, snowplow or sanding truck too closely. They may stop suddenly or spray sand, rocks or other material.
  • Do not sled on streets or sidewalks.
  • Don’t throw snow from your sidewalk or driveway into the street – it’s against the law.
  • After clearing the sidewalk of snow, you may choose to apply an ice-melting substance.  The City of Yakima recommends use of Calcium Chloride, (sometimes called “hot melt”) rather than Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt) because it is less damaging to sidewalks and plants. Also, it works at a much lower temperature, so it is more effective in freezing conditions.
  • If your home or business is at a corner, please remove the snow from the sidewalk ramps so children and other pedestrians can cross the street.
  • Dig out fire hydrants for your safety.
  • Put safety first and drive only if necessary during winter storms. Dress warmly andbe prepared for travel delays.

Visit https://www.yakimawa.gov/services/streets/snow-removal-policies-tips/ for more information about City of Yakima snow removal policies and tips.

Snow removal policies, tips – News ReleaseDownload