For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

East Bridgewater Department of Public Works Offers Winter Weather Preparation Tips

EAST BRIDGEWATER — Department of Public Works Director John B. Haines would like to offer residents some winter weather and snowstorm preparation tips that will be helpful to community members and the East Bridgewater DPW this winter.

Snowfall is predicted toward the end of the week, according to the National Weather Service. As snowstorms come and go, the DPW will be working to make sure the town’s roads are clear and safe for travel.

“We want to make sure everyone gets through this winter as safely and as stress-free as possible,” Director Haines said. “We’re asking residents for their help and cooperation. As always, we appreciate your patience as we work to make the town’s roads safe before, during and after a snowstorm.”

BEFORE A SNOWSTORM:

• Remove any personal property from the roadway and within 10 feet of the road, such as, basketball hoops, portable storage units, recycling bins, etc.
• If possible, move your mailbox away from the road or try to fortify it to avoid the potential for damage during snow removal. Residents should be aware that the town is not obligated to repair or replace mailboxes that are damaged or destroyed during the snow removal and road clearing process.
• Adhere to the town’s parking ban. East Bridgewater has a parking ban in place from Nov. 15 to April 15. There is no overnight street parking during that time. The ban is enforced before, during and after snowstorms. Residents could have their vehicles towed if they are not able to be moved out of the way of snow removal vehicles.
• Notify your private plow contractors that it is illegal to push snow into the road from your property. Snow on your driveway must be plowed on your property. This prevents large snow banks from building up on the side of the roads.
• Be aware that treatment on town roads takes place about one to three hours before a snowstorm and continues when snowfall first begins. So salt trucks will be on the roads prior to a storm.

DURING A SNOWSTORM:

• Stay off the roads, if possible. If you must drive, always keep a safe distance from plows and sanding trucks.
• Never pass plows or sanding trucks.
• For those who shovel their driveways during a snowstorm, leave the last couple feet of your driveway un-shoveled. The snow will stay on a truck’s plow and not fill your driveway as it passes by.
• If power goes out during a storm, contact National Grid to report an outage by calling 1-800-465-1212.
• To report a gas leak, contact Columbia Gas at their emergency line at 1-800-525-8222.

AFTER A SNOWSTORM:

• Please clear snow from any storm drains near your home to prevent flooding. Also, help the Fire Department by shoveling snow away from hydrants.
• Do not pump water from sump pumps into the road. The water can freeze and cause a hazardous condition.
• If possible, shovel sidewalks in front of your home.
• Do not allow children to play in the streets when plows may be out on the roads.

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