City of Flint Encourages Residents to Help Neighbors by Clearing Snow on Sidewalks and Fire Hydrants as More Snow is Expected

The City of Flint has received 12 inches of since Sunday and more snow is expected this weekend. As the City of Flint continues its efforts to control snow on the roadways following this week’s continued snowfall, Flint officials want to remind residents to help each other out during the tough weather conditions.  Residents and businesses are encouraged to look out for one another in their neighborhoods and to help clear sidewalks and fire hydrants of snow.

Shoveling sidewalks greatly enhance the safety of those who need to use them such as school children, mail carriers and those using public transit. These actions can greatly reduce accidents by encouraging pedestrians to use the sidewalks rather than the streets. When clearing sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, residents and businesses are reminded to not push snow into the streets as this hampers plowing efforts and can create road hazards for drivers.

Fire hydrants should also be cleared by property owners or nearby residents so they are easily located by firefighters. “Doing this small action will reduce the time spent trying to fight fires and possibly help save lives,” said Fire Chief David Cox, Jr. “Your actions might help save a neighbor’s house and family or even your own.”

Residents are also asked to help their neighbors with limited mobility such as the elderly and disabled remove snow and improve their accessibility. Individuals with health conditions are vulnerable to physical injury which can be caused by the extreme cold, the icy conditions and overexertion while shoveling snow. If residents are aware of neighbors with health conditions which require regular medical attention, they are urged to check on their well-being regularly.

Mayor Walling thanked the residents and businesses who look out for their neighbors during winter weather: “When you have a neighbor helping each other out with shoveling or a business making sure the fire hydrants on their property are clear, this is when we as a community come together, help each other out and show how much we really love our city. You are the ones who truly make a difference.”

City of Flint Snow & Ice Control Plan