SNOW STORM DO AND DON’T LIST

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – December 15, 2009 – Looking back at the first major storm, the City of Cedar Rapids requests residents to remember some key Do and Don’ts for snow and ice:

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Call 319-286-5826 to report hazardous conditions on City of Cedar Rapids roads for snowand ice plowing

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Keep up on the weather forecast and be prepared for conditions

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Drive defensively and according to road conditions

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Be patient...an average snowfall of 3” to 4" takes 12 hours to plow and apply ice controlafter the completion of the snow storm

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Expect maintenance vehicles to back up frequently

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Notify the City if you are having visibility problems at intersections because of high snowbanks

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Shovel in front of your mailbox-the post office will not deliver mail if they cannot getclose enough to reach the mailbox from their vehicle

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Remove snow and ice from the sidewalk within a reasonable time, but in no case longerthan 48 hours, after the snow has fallen or ice has formed, except in cases of severe weather,when it is not reasonably practicable to remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk.

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Assist the Fire Department by cleaning snow away from hydrants--ask your neighbors forhelp in this area if age or physical limitations prevent you from clearing snow

Don't

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Don't park your car on the street where possible after a 2" snowfall until the street hasbeen plowed curb to curb

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If you do not have sufficient off street parking, use voluntary alternating parking of parking on the odd side for odd calendar days and even side on even calendar days.

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Don't throw the snow from your driveway onto the street or sidewalk (City of CedarRapids Code 9.11(c))

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Don't place garbage cans in the street or on the boulevard-they belong in the driveway

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Keep children from building tunnels and forts in the snow banks along streets anddriveways. This is a very dangerous area to be playing, as City crews wing snow back to createmore storage area near the edge of the street

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Don't assume plow drivers can see you--their field of vision is limited

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Stay 70 feet (4 car lengths) from the maintenance vehicle so the driver can see you

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Never pass on the right, as plows are pushing snow and spreading ice control to the right