WINTER WEATHER Cedar Falls residents know winter in Iowa is cold, often snowy, and always unpredictable. The City of Cedar Falls is capable of handling most snow events. However, there are times during and after a snowfall when drivers should consider whether it’s wise to venture out. Trips will take longer because of reduced, safe driving speeds. It’s wise for drivers to plan ahead. Try to avoid steep hills, choose routes on heavily traveled streets, and receive early treatment with deicers.
SNOW AT END OF DRIVEWAY
A snowfall will trigger snow removal operations from the city and other agencies. City, county, and state agencies each have their own areas of responsibility. Business owners and retail centers typically have contractors or in-house staff perform snow removal. From the state level to individual property owners clearing their driveways and sidewalks, cooperation is key to achieving the overall goal of making the city safe for motorists and pedestrians.
Cul-de-sacs are unique to clear because of the circular design of the street that creates maneuverability issues along with limited snow storage space. It takes considerably longer to clear snow from a cul-de-sac than from a through street. Because of the added difficulty of plowing cul-de-sacs, it is especially important to move all vehicles off the street. For the city, there is a high cost-to-benefit ratio to clear a cul-de-sac.
SNOW & ICE CONTROL PREPAREDNESS
CLEANING SIDEWALKS
Cedar Falls has a well prepared plan to respond to a winter weather event. The plan addresses a wide range of issues including priority routes, equipment, and personnel assignments. Training is held on an annual basis to educate, refresh, and enhance operator knowledge of equipment, systems, and technology.
Be a good neighbor; shovel your sidewalk to make it safe for pedestrian travel. Remember, property owners are responsible for removing the snow accumulation from sidewalks adjacent to their property. Snow should be removed from the sidewalk within 24 hours after the end of a snow event.
PLANNING FOR A SNOW EVENT
GARBAGE COLLECTION
The best decision is to avoid putting yourself in a bad situation by traveling unnecessarily. Pre-planning and checking the weather forecast will help you make a sound decision. Winter weather is relatively easy to follow in Iowa; the weather is usually a top story whenever snow and ice conditions are predicted.
Automated refuse collection can be challenging during a snow event. Plow operators are instructed to be aware of collection routes to prevent carts from being knocked over, especially on one-sided street collections where carts are placed in the street. Please place refuse carts in an open area away from obstacles and snow banks for easy collection truck accessibility.
SNOW EMERGENCY A city wide snow emergency will be declared only when conditions warrant. During a snow emergency, parking is not permitted on designated snow routes. Declaration of a snow emergency will depend on the amount, type, intensity, and duration of a weather event.
CLEARING SNOW FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY It is a violation of city ordinance to shovel, blow, or plow snow into a street. This creates a hazard for motorists driving on a plowed street and then encountering a spot with large amounts of snow. Your help to prevent this situation is greatly appreciated.
MAILBOXES Plows will clear snow along the curb as close as safely possible to curbside mailboxes. Mailboxes may become blocked by the buildup of snow as winter weather events progress. It is the responsibility of the homeowner or mail recipient to keep access to the mailbox clear.
6 Fall 2021
The primary goal of plowing is to remove snow from the street. Plows push the snow from the middle of the street to the curbside right-of way where it is stored. Unfortunately the result is snow placed at the end of driveways. The plow driver has no control over the snow coming off the plow blade and does do not place snow in driveways on purpose.
CUL-DE-SACS
ON STREET vs OFF STREET PARKING Obstructions in the street hamper plowing operations and may prevent streets from proper snow clearing. If plows are forced to go around a vehicle parked in the street, it will narrow the cleared street width, creating a hazard. Another potential hazard develops when the parked vehicle is moved, leaving a snow berm in the street. Take the time to remove your vehicle from the street following a snow event. This gives plow drivers space to clear the street to the curb, leaving you a clear place to park. In addition, it will prevent the need to dig your vehicle out after the plow has past.
