Public Works Winter Weather Reminders
(3-minute read)
After a busy weekend responding to a major winter storm, Reading DPW would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation. As crews continue working to keep roads and walkways safe, here are a few important reminders on how residents can help support winter operations and reduce safety hazards.
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
Plow vs Hoop
Please get those basketball hoops well away from the road. Hitting a hoop breaks the mirrors off trucks and creates unsafe conditions for our dedicated drivers working in the storm. If left in the road, basketball hoops are a safety hazard and can cause damage to Town trucks. Hoops in the Right-of-Way are likely to be severely damaged, and the Town would not be at fault.
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
Salt/Sand Blue Buckets
During snow and ice events, Reading DPW crews are often working through the night to plow over 200 lane miles of roadways to keep roads safe for residents which includes the plowing of every Town and school parking lot and over 45 miles of sidewalks. There is a way residents can help. Reading DPW places blue salt/sand buckets in high-traffic pedestrian areas around Town for public use during snow and ice conditions. These are free to use, help reduce slips and falls and are available for residents to assist with icy patches. Public Works unfortunately does not have the capability to salt sidewalks, so if you see an icy area, feel free to use a bucket to help make walkways safer for everyone!
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
Shovel Out Hydrants
After snowstorms, please take a moment to clear snow and ice from fire hydrants near your home or business, if you are able. The Town has over 850 hydrants and any help would greatly assist DPW. Always remember to clear a 3-foot radius around the hydrant, make sure the nozzle and caps are visible and create a path from the sidewalk or street. Clearing hydrants helps firefighters respond quickly in an emergency, every second counts.
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
Clearing Catch Basins
The Town has over 3,000 catch basins. When snowbanks start to cover over these catch basins, residents can help DPW by shoveling out the catch basin in front of your home if you are able. Digging out a catch basin after a snowstorm allows melting snow and rainwater to go into the catch basins without flooding the roadway.
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
Trash & Recycling Carts During Snow Operations
When snow and ice operations are expected, please help Reading DPW by keeping trash and recycling carts out of the street and off sidewalks whenever possible. Carts left in roadways or pedestrian paths can interfere with plowing operations, damage Town equipment, and create safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians. Placing carts at the end of your driveway or in a clear, visible location helps DPW crews safely plow roads and sidewalks and ensures your cart isn’t damaged or buried by snowbanks.
Thank you to our DPW staff for their dedication during winter weather events! For more information on the Town of Reading Snow and Ice plowing click here: https://www.readingma.gov/241/Snow-Ice-Guidelines
