It’s time to begin preparing for cooler weather, snow, and ice. Our Clean Team have highlighted items and resources you can use while planning your snow removal strategy for the upcoming season. By city ordinance, citizens and businesses must keep their sidewalks shoveled. The City asks citizens to clear a 36-inch path to allow pedestrians to travel effectively, with a goal of completion by 9:00 a.m. after a snowfall.

It is important to clear parking lots, driveways and sidewalks to provide safe access for employees, customers and suppliers after a snowfall.  Promptly removing snow and minimizing icy surfaces is important for reducing the likelihood of slips and falls, and shows customers you are open for business.

Smaller snow amounts can be handled by maintenance staff and larger accumulations generally require professional snow removal contractors. These crews are in heavy demand after a storm, so it is critical to have outside service contracts in place prior to the first snowfall of the season. When selecting a contractor, it is important to make sure the people who remove your snow/ice will show up as anticipated, do a thorough job, and work within previously negotiated price guidelines.

Consider These:

• Make sure the contract covers all of your needs (e.g., parking lots, driveways, walkways, roofs).
• Look for an established, licensed and bonded professional.
• Check references.
• Ask to see the contractor’s certificates of insurance. Make sure coverage for liability and workers’ compensation insurance is current.

Visit the City of Spokane’s snow response page to find more information. View the updated Snow Response Plan for the 2017-18 Snow Season and stay tuned for information about 2018/2019.