Denver Public Works is prepared to address the predicted heavy snowfall. Our strategies include:
- HEAVY PLOWS: Our entire fleet of 68 heavy plows will deploy to Denver’s main streets, or most streets with stripes, when snow begins to accumulate on the pavement, plowing and spreading de-icing materials as needed.
- HEAVY EQUIPMENT: Several pieces of construction equipment (motor-graders and front-end loaders) are prepared to address significant drifting in outlying areas of the City.
- LIGHT PLOWS: A total of 126 light plows (4x4 pick-up trucks and small dump trucks with plows) will be deployed on Denver residential streets (or side streets) tonight and will stay deployed until further notice. The residential plows will take one pass down the middle of each residential street to skim off accumulated snow, preventing thick snow pack; the residential plows will not be plowing the streets to bare pavement. This process basically removes a layer of the accumulation, keeping the street manageable. The residential plows will not be spreading any materials (de-icing).
Friday’s morning commute will be difficult, with heavy snowfall expected during drive-time.
Because of the predicted significant snowfall, snow plowed on main streets and residential streets will be pushed to the sides of the road, potentially resulting in berms that residents may need to clear to access their vehicles before leaving in the morning; please do not shovel this snow back into the travel lanes on main streets or residential streets.
Clearing this snow build up will take extra time and drivers are reminded to plan ahead for their morning drive. As always, drivers are encouraged to drive with caution and allow extra time to arrive at their destination.
During the morning commute, our plows will be in traffic alongside commuters. Please give the plows plenty of room to maneuver, and remember that they aren’t able to work as efficiently during rush hour as they can overnight or in off-commute hours.
For more information on Denver Public Works snow removal plan, visit DenverSnowPlan.com
Additional Information:
BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR:
- Check on elderly and/or disabled neighbors during major snow storms to be sure they do not need help.
- Always clear your sidewalk of snow as soon as possible - it is difficult for pedestrians to walk down sidewalks full of snow and ice but it is nearly impossible for wheelchairs.
- Go the extra step to make sure the sidewalk on your block is clear of snow so it can be accessible to all.
- Visit the Denver Office of Emergency Management to get more information on how neighborhoods can prepare for emergencies in Denver.
AN IMPORTANT REMINDER FROM DENVER ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL:
As the Denver Metro area braces for more bitter cold weather, Denver Animal Care & Control reminds residents to ensure pets are protected from the elements. Failing to do so could have dire consequence for pets, and result in a Cruelty to Animals or Animal Neglect charge and up to a $1,000 fine for the owner.
Ideally, the best way to protect pets from extreme temperatures is to avoid long-term outdoor exposure. However, if pets have to be outside for longer durations, Denver city ordinance requires that pets have adequate outdoor shelter such as a dog house, porch area, or a similar structure that allows an animal to escape the elements. Further insulating the shelter or adding a “doggie door” to a garage or covered area adds an additional layer of protection from the cold.
Additional tips include:
- When pets come in from the outdoors, remove snow, ice, salt other ice treatment chemicals. This will not only keep them dry, but also keep them from ingesting chemicals that may remain on their coat.
- Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold.
- Don’t leave dangerous and potentially lethal chemicals like snow and ice remover and anti-freeze outdoors where pets can accidentally ingest.
- Check under the hood of outdoor vehicles before starting them up. Stray cats often look for refuge in warm engines.
- For information about Denver’s Animal Care & Control ordinances or additional pet safety tips, visit Denver Animal Shelter.
BROKEN TREE BRANCHES & DOWNED POWER LINES:
Denver Forestry and Xcel Energy offer the following advice when dealing with snow-laden branches on trees and fallen branches and/or power lines:
- Check to make sure the tree is safe and clear of all utility lines prior to removing snow; do not attempt to shake snow off of a tree if a utility line is going through it,
- If the tree is clear of utility lines, using a broom, remove as much snow as possible from branches.
- Do not attempt to climb tree or use ladder to reach higher limbs.
- Sometimes branches heavy with snow take down power lines/cables. Stay clear of downed lines and report them immediately to Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999. If a power line has fallen onto a vehicle, stay away from the vehicle. Seek help immediately by calling 911.
- If a tree limb is broken on a public right-of-way, citizens are asked to contact Denver forestry to assess damage and tree safety. For trees on private property, citizens can visit Forestry for a list of licensed and insured tree care contractors.