Our Highway Unit is the primary response team during snow and ice events. One of the major challenges the unit incurs is snow being shoveled back into plowed streets after city teams clear the street. This practice is not only illegal, it’s a hazard to drivers and pedestrians. Another challenge is cars parked too close to a corner, which interfere with the turning radius of snow removal equipment. Philadelphia Code 12-9131(1)(b)(iii) prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
Snow Response
Snow Response is a system that identifies various categories of weather conditions and indicates the City’s response to each category. For information on Snow Response, call Customer Affairs at 215-686-5560.
Winter Driving Guide
Please Download “Winter Driving Guide” provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Public safety is the first priority during snow and ice storms for the city’s 2, 575 miles of streets. Our objective is to return Philadelphians to their normal business as quickly as possible, and to provide safe conditions at all times. Keep in mind that the severity of the storm can affect the Street Department’s timetable.
To provide safe roadway conditions for traffic on primary, secondary, and tertiary (residential) streets throughout the City, the Streets Department has a Snow and Ice Removal Operations Plan. The plan outlines the process for alerting and deploying personnel and materials to address weather conditions ranging from minor accumulations to blizzards.
We use several professional weather services to anticipate winter weather conditions. When snow or ice is predicted, the City schedules response crews for standby, so we can respond quickly. Once the storm hits, the City dispatches some or all of its salt spreaders/plows to clear City streets. The strategy used to clear streets depends on several factors:
- Time the snow began
- Duration of snowfall
- Type of snow – light/dry or wet/heavy
- Temperature before and after snowfall
- High winds – drifting
- Snow accumulation
- Available equipment
- Available staff
Salting Tips
- Any commercial de-icer, for example, those sold in hardware stores and supermarkets, is acceptable for salting your sidewalk or driveway
- Salt should be applied as soon as light accumulation has developed. This breaks the bond between further accumulations and the pavement surface, making it easier to shovel. A final light application may be required after removal is completed to melt the remaining snow. During sleet or freezing rain, de-icing of sidewalks and driveways requires multiple applications as dictated by conditions
- Be conscious of the environment. Use de-icing salts sparingly. One pound can cover 100 to 200 square feet. For example, 30 to 60 feet of sidewalk with a width of 3 feet can be treated at this rate. The material can be spread manually or with simple equipment such as a lawn spreader. (The spreader should be rinsed out once the application is completed.)
- Kitty litter can also be used to generate temporary traction
Shoveling Tips
- Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways. Kitty litter can be used to generate temporary traction
- Avoid over-exertion. Cold weather can strain the heart. Unfamiliar exercise, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Rest frequently and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
- Stretch before you go out to shovel snow, to warm up your body and help prevent injury
- Be aware of utilities when shoveling snow. Do not cover fire hydrants with snow when clearing sidewalks and driveways. Do not shovel snow into manholes
- Remember to help neighbors who may require special assistance – the elderly and those with disabilities
- Do not throw snow into the street
Winter Weather Driving Tips
If you must go out in a storm, it is safer to take public transportation whenever possible. If you must drive, follow these tips:
- Clear your vehicle of snow and ice, including the windows, mirrors, roof, trunk, hood, and lights
- Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges
- Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks plowing the roadway
- Do not pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency response vehicles
- Where possible, do not park along the street or on the corner. Snowplow drivers cannot clear a road when cars are in their way
- If you must park or abandon your vehicle, avoid leaving it at a bus stop or a corner, as it hampers recovery efforts and may result in your car being towed
- Keep a small sack of sand or kitty litter in your car for traction under wheels
- Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car. This should include a manual can opener, canned food, and bottled water
Home Safety Tips
- Listen to KYW News Radio, local radio, and TV stations like the Weather Channel for updates. Be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel
- Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel, as regular sources may be cut off
- Check on relatives, friends, and neighbors who need assistance preparing for a storm
- Always keep a manual can opener, canned food, and bottled water for emergency situations
Power Outage Tips
- Use a battery-powered radio to get information about the storm
- Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge and possible damage to them when power is restored
- If power will be out a long time, consider going to a Red Cross shelter, hotel, or someone else’s home, but ONLY after the roads are passable and authorities say it’s safe to travel
- Use flashlights. Do not use candles, as they increase risk of fire. Candles are easily forgotten or knocked over
