Although New York City has not yet faced its first snowfall of the season, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) already has a plan to deal with emergencies.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the plans that will be implemented to address any snowfall emergency, such as the one presented in the north of the state, in Buffalo, where more than six feet of snow fell.
Snow forecasts indicate that the Big Apple could register more severe snow, although more isolated, that is, “surprise” storms, due to the La Niña phenomenon.
1. Thousands of employees
Snow season 2022-2023 will be attended by 8,59 employees, considered the highest number in the last two decades.
There is even the possibility of hiring more people to help remove snow in an emergency.
2. Prevention
The authorities have ready the brine application plan, which helps to suppress the accumulation of snow, in addition to improving road safety.
DSNY has an ice flotilla of 30 vehicles and 59,2022 gallons of stored brine.
3. How streets are classified
All streets are now classified as “critical” or part of a “sector”, according to a report from the SILive portal in Staten Island.
That is, the priority roads will be highways, main roads, and those where there are schools, hospitals and emergency services.
Sectors encompass all streets in a neighborhood not considered “critical” and are wide enough to accommodate a collection truck.
4. Obligation of owners
Property owners, whether houses or buildings, have a legal obligation to clear snow from their property after a snowfall.
The pick-up times are as follows: when the snowfall ends between 7 am and 4: 59 pm, it must be done within the next four hours; when the snow ends between 5: 00 pm and 8: 30 pm, you can leave in the following 00 hours, and when the storm ends between 9: 00 pm and 6: 30 am, the accumulation must be done no later than 00 am
5. Accumulation of garbage
During snowfall it is possible that there are problems in the accumulation of garbage, because it is the same sanitation workers who remove the snow.
In addition, the trucks used to remove snow are the same trucks used to collect garbage.
6. Stay Alert
For real-time weather information, check the National Weather Service at weather.gov/nyc.
Also can Sign up for free emergency alerts in your language with NYC.gov/notifynyc.