Snow Plowing Tips

Posted by Alan Cecil on September 12th, 2017

A little patience and an attitude of cooperation are essential ingredients for. Winter the plowing season. When we as citizens, plow contractors, and city crews work together, we can reduce the frustrations sometimes accompanied by winter snowstorms. There are many things residents can do to minimize plow problems and to ensure that city crews do the most effective work possible.

Observe Owatonna regulations for parking in winter. Do not park your car on the restricted side of the street between November 15 and March 31 from 12:01 am and 12:00 noon or your vehicle will be fined and towed This not only guarantees a more effective plow but also help avoid a citation or your vehicle being towed.

Residents may find it less frustrating to wait until the plow trucks have completed their street before clearing the end of their driveway. The plow units of the city are designed to discharge the snow to the sides of the road and are not able to jump the areas of the roadway.

The snow from the bottom of the driveway should be dug to the right as you are facing the street. This will reduce the amount of snow that is put back into the driveway during the next plowing.

Populations hiring workers to plow their driveways should remind the administrator about state and local laws that prohibit pushing or putting snow back on or in the street. Doing so not only creates hazards for drivers but also creates difficulties for the city to keep the streets clean.

Residents must clear the snow from the mailbox area after each plow. The snow in front of the mailboxes will be compacted by the mail vehicles and will make the rear plow less effective.

If the garbage/recycling day coincides with plowing activities, make sure that the trash can and the recycling bin are well behind the curb or in the driveway so the plow does not hit them.

Residents who have suffered grass damage in the past may wish to mark their yard with flexible piles or lathe. This will help plow operators avoid future damage.

Do not allow children to construct snowstorms and tunnels on sidewalks or play near curbs. It can be difficult for plow operators to see children.

Keep sleds and toys away from the street. Residents are encouraged to "adopt a fire hydrant" near their home and keep the snow removed from it. This will ensure that fire hydrant is accessible in case of an emergency.