When the flakes start falling and the snow begins to accumulate, property owners face a crucial decision: how often should they clear the snow to ensure safe and accessible conditions? This question is not just a matter of convenience; it carries significant implications for preventing accidents, adhering to local regulations, and minimizing disruptions to daily life. Finding the right balance is key to navigating heavy snowfall events in Fredericton effectively.
Heavy snowstorms are a common occurrence in Fredericton during the winter months of December, January, February, and March. The city’s location and climate make it susceptible to significant snowfall events during this core period of the winter season.
However, the timing of heavy snowfall in Fredericton can vary from year to year, depending on the specific weather patterns that influence the region. In some years, significant snowstorms may arrive earlier than December or linger later than March.
This variability in the timing of heavy snow events highlights the need for Fredericton residents and businesses to stay prepared for winter weather conditions throughout the late fall, winter, and early spring months. Preparedness and adaptability are key to navigating the region’s dynamic winter climate.
The intensity of snowfall is a major factor in determining how often you should clear snow from your property. During heavy snowfall events, it’s essential to remove snow more frequently to prevent significant accumulation. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to shovel or plow every 5-8 centimeters of snowfall to keep surfaces manageable.
Temperature plays a significant role in how quickly snow accumulates and how easily it can be removed. When temperatures hover around or just below freezing, snow tends to be wetter and heavier, making it more challenging to shovel or plow. In these conditions, it’s crucial to stay on top of snow removal to prevent the heavy snow from building up and becoming even more difficult to manage.
On the other hand, when temperatures are well below freezing, snow tends to be lighter and fluffier. While this type of snow may be easier to remove initially, it can still pose problems if left to accumulate over time. Cold temperatures can cause snow to drift and blow, creating uneven surfaces that are harder to clear effectively.
Sidewalks should be cleared frequently to ensure pedestrian safety, especially during and after snowfall events. Clearing sidewalks after every significant accumulation or every few hours during heavy storms is recommended to maintain a safe path for foot traffic.
Driveways also require regular clearing to maintain vehicle access, particularly during heavy storms. Removing snow from driveways multiple times throughout a significant snowfall may be necessary to prevent accumulation and ensure easy exit and entry for vehicles.
For businesses, timely snow removal in parking lots is paramount to ensure safe access for customers and employees. Frequent clearing during and after heavy snowfall events prevents hazardous conditions like slippery surfaces or obstructed pathways. By maintaining clear parking areas, businesses can improve overall safety and accessibility, reducing the risk of slips, falls, and vehicle accidents during winter weather.
While it’s important to remove heavy snow from roofs to prevent potential damage, it’s generally not necessary to do so after every snowfall. Instead, focus on clearing snow from areas with significant accumulation or where the snow may slide off and cause issues, such as blocking entrances or damaging property.
Prioritizing areas based on the level of accumulation and potential hazards is key when it comes to less frequent snow removal tasks like clearing roofs. Addressing these areas promptly can help mitigate risks and avoid costly damages.
For Fredericton residents planning a snow removal schedule during a storm with a contractor, consider the following steps:
Clear communication channels are essential for effective coordination between the property owner and the snow removal contractor. This includes designating a primary contact person for both parties, exchanging emergency contact numbers, and determining the most efficient communication method (phone, text, or email) to relay important information promptly.
It’s important to identify the high-priority areas that need to be cleared first, such as main entrances, parking lots, and walkways. These areas are critical for ensuring safe access and mobility during and after a snowstorm. However, property owners should be prepared to adjust these priorities based on the severity of the storm and changing conditions.
Setting clear response timelines is important to ensure prompt snow removal efforts. This includes establishing a time frame for the company to begin snow removal after the storm starts or ends, as well as requesting regular updates on their progress and expected completion times. These timelines help manage expectations and ensure that critical areas are cleared in a timely manner.
To ensure effective snow removal, property owners should clearly define the service requirements with the contractor. This includes determining the plowing frequency to maintain clear surfaces, specifying areas that require salting or de-icing and the desired application frequency, and discussing the preferred snow removal methods (plowing, shoveling, or a combination) for different areas of the property.
Staying informed about the latest weather forecasts and conditions in the local area is crucial for effective snow removal planning. Property owners should monitor weather updates and be prepared to adapt their snow removal schedule based on changing weather patterns, such as unexpected snowfall or temperature fluctuations that may impact the type and frequency of snow removal required.
To avoid any misunderstandings or disputes, it is essential to document the agreement between the property owner and the snow removal company in a written contract. This contract should outline the specific services to be provided, pricing, and responsibilities of both parties. It should include emergency procedures to address unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the snow removal process.
By following these steps and maintaining open communication with contractor, property owners can effectively manage snow removal in Fredericton during a storm and minimize disruptions to their properties or businesses.
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The best time to shovel snow is as soon as possible after the snowfall stops. This prevents the snow from accumulating and becoming compacted, making it easier to clear. Shoveling early also reduces the risk of slips, falls, and accidents on icy surfaces.
Yes, leaving snow on your driveway can lead to several problems. The snow can become compacted and icy, making it more difficult to remove later on.
Yes, shoveling snow multiple times throughout a heavy snowfall is often better than waiting until the end of the storm to clear everything at once. This approach prevents the snow from becoming too deep and heavy, making it easier to manage.
As the snow eventually melts, water can seep into foundations, leading to cracks and costly water damage over time. The weight of heavy snow can also damage plants, shrubs, and trees in your landscaping. Perhaps most immediately, a snow-covered driveway can make it extremely difficult or even impossible to safely get in and out of your home or garage. Uncleared snow and ice on walkways also create hazardous conditions, increasing the risk of slips, falls, and injuries for you or visitors to your property.
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