SNOW REMOVAL

By Councilman Brian Livesey

The Matawan DPW has been hard at work prepping snow removal equipment for any weather that Mother Nature might throw at us. Fortunately we have had mild weather, but winter is far from over. Below are a few items to help keep everyone safe and ensure town workers can do an effective job this winter.

Residents can help the DPW by following these simple guidelines before, during, and after a storm. Please make sure all of your vehicles have been removed from borough streets before the storm. Plowing does not typically begin until there is about 4 inches of accumulated snow, but salting operations will start once the snow begins to fall. After the snow has stopped, the plows will open the roads curb-to-curb. Residents should wait for the department to completely clear the streets, before clearing snow from the head of driveways, or sidewalks. Please refrain from throwing or blowing snow back into the streets as this creates a safety hazard and adds to the cleanup time.

It is also important to keep make our personal safety a top priority when removing snow from personal property. When shoveling, know your limitations especially when moving wet and heavy snow. Push the snow instead of lifting it, use your legs instead of your back. Take frequent breaks to rest. Dress in layers, remove layers when you are heating up and add when you start to cool down. If using a snow blower, read the owner’s manual before use. Operate the snow blower at walking speed and know the where the chute is pointing at all times. Make sure the machine is shut off when fueling or the chute is jammed with ice and snow.

Here is wishing everyone a safe and healthy winter!

Correction from last month’s article, I inadvertently called Bayshore EMS Bayshore Search and Rescue. I apologize and would like to thank Bayshore EMS for their ongoing service to our community.