If you live in Hagerstown, here's what you need to know about dealing with snow

The Herald-Mail
Updated ·2 min read
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The City of Hagerstown issued a reminder in early January regarding snow removal requirements and providing tips for making it a little easier for road crews to clear streets. Here's what you should know:

  • Department of Public Works crews will be plowing and clearing Hagerstown’s streets, on-street parking spaces and parking lots this winter. Do not use on-street parking spaces if you can avoid it. If you must use those spaces, remember that saving spaces with items such as chairs and buckets is not permitted.

  • Clear the sidewalks adjacent to your property. Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and/or ice on sidewalks adjacent to properties within 24 hours for the safety of pedestrians. Not only is it a neighborly act, it is the law.  Go to www.hagerstownmd.org/629/Sidewalk-Snow-Removal for detailed information concerning sidewalk snow removal guidelines.

  • Do not plow, shovel, blow or place snow on streets or roadways. It's illegal.

  • Shovel around fire hydrants and mailboxes. Clear a 3-foot path from the road to the hydrant and a minimum of 3 feet on all sides of the hydrant. Clearing snow around hydrants will assist the Hagerstown Fire Department in the event of an emergency.

  • Consider clearing a path for meter readers or mail carriers.

  • Keep neighborhood storm drains free of snow and ice so that melting snow drains properly.

  • Place garbage and recycling containers at least three feet back from the curb to avoid contact with snowplows.

  • Do not crowd plows while they are operating; that's especially dangerous during a storm, when visibility is limited.

  • Check on your elderly and/or sick neighbors who may be unable to clear their sidewalks.

Winter storm watch issued for Hagerstown, Chambersburg, Martinsburg areas for Saturday

The city also asks residents to be patient as crews clear the white stuff.

The National Weather Service on Friday morning issued a storm warning for the region, in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Heavy mixed precipitation is expected, according to the weather service, with total snow and sleet accumulations of 3 to 6 inches. Ice accumulation is also possible.

A look back at big storms: A look back at blizzards, nor'easters and other major snowstorms in Maryland

Precipitation is expected to begin as snow, but could mix with sleet and rain later.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Hagerstown reminds residents of snow removal requirements