+ CITY NEWS
Syracuse City Updates Christmas Tree Safety Tips: • • • • • •
Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily. Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
•
• • • •
Replace any string of lights that have worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Again, read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. Dried-out trees are a fire danger, and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. If purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant. We wish you and your family a safe and happy Christmas holiday, and as always, please contact the fire department if you have any questions.
Post Office Holiday Hours Our holiday hours will be Monday through Friday, December 7th - 18th from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We will also be open Saturday, December 12th and 19th, from 9:00 AM to Noon. Please DO NOT leave packages in the lobby or in the Post Office unattended.
Green Waste
The green waste season ended on November 30th and will resume again starting April 1, 2021. During the months of December to March, you may use your green waste cans for regular household waste.
COMMUNITY QUESTION CORNER BY PAUL ROBERTS, CITY ATTORNEY
QUESTION: What are the rules around shoveling sidewalks by my home? Answer: Clearing snow is an oft-dreaded result of our otherwise delightful mountain winters. Nevertheless, it is necessary to keep our sidewalks clear, and free of hazards like ice buildup. Shoveling sidewalks is a civic duty that we all share. Safe sidewalks are critical to joggers, the disabled, children walking to school, and those pushing strollers. City code requires property owners to clear snow and ice from any public sidewalk that fronts their property; corner lots have double the work. Citizens are allowed twenty-four hours after the end of a snowstorm to clear their sidewalks. The sooner the better, though; pedestrians on un-shoveled sidewalks will pack the snow down and make it even harder to remove.
When this duty is neglected, Syracuse Code Enforcement will be required to take action, and eventually hire a contractor to remove the snow. The cost of the removal is billed to the property owner, and if left unpaid, the bill(s) are sent to the County Treasurer for collection. Having been on vacation during snowfall does not excuse failure to clear the sidewalks; please make arrangements for snow removal during your absence. In addition, let’s be aware of neighbors who have physical difficulties and are unable to shovel their walk. Please help them out as well!
Do you have a community question? Submit your question to proberts@syracuseut.com.
December 2020 | syracuseconnection.com 5
