With predictions of 10 to 15 inches of snow falling on our city, here are some helpful tips from the City of Newark.

A SNOW REMOVAL REMINDER

Streets must be cleared from curb to curb. Residents and business owners are encouraged to remove snow in a two-foot circumference from fire hydrants located in front of their residences or businesses.

Think safety for all. Clearing the streets of snow may require several passes of the snow plows. If you have no sidewalk, pile snow on the left side of the driveway (stand facing the residence). If there is a sidewalk in front of the residence, pile snow to the left of the driveway on either side of the sidewalk and to the right of the driveway behind the sidewalk (stand facing the residence).

DO NOT SHOVEL SNOW INTO THE STREET.

Park all vehicles in the driveway during snowstorms to save time shoveling and to keep the road clear for snow plows and emergency vehicles. After plowing is complete, the front of the residence should remain clear of obstructions for later parking.

WHEN DOES PLOWING BEGIN?

Plowing begins when snow depths reach two inches and freezing temperatures indicate no melting.

If the snow accumulation is less than two inches and the afternoon sun begins to melt the snow, we allow nature to take its course, thus saving your tax dollars.
Expect a minor amount of snow on the streets after the plowers have passed. This is done to avoid damaging snowplow blades, manhole covers and other above pavement obstacles (i.e. rumble strips).

WHICH AREAS ARE PLOWED FIRST?
The City of Newark is comprised of 324 miles of road surface which is cleared in the following order:

• Hills
• Bridges
• Emergency routes and all major arteries in and out of the city limits
• Snow in and around catch basins is removed immediately to avoid flooding and sewer backups.

WHEN ARE THE NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS PLOWED?
Once all emergency roads have been cleared, snow removal will begin on neighborhood streets.

The plowing is done curb to curb, which involves plowing from the center of the street first, then plowing each side of the street.
Most streets will require three or four passes.
Some streets may require as few as two passes, or, as many as five passes.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COUNTY ROADS?
Essex County Public Works has designated workers to ensure that all County roadways are accessible for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

However, if necessary, the City of Newark will dispatch snow removal crews to any area in the City that requires immediate attention.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEARING THE SCHOOL GROUNDS?

The Newark Board of Education has designated workers to ensure that the sidewalks, parking lots and playground areas of the schools are free of snow and ice.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEARING DRIVEWAYS, SIDEWALKS, AND ENTRANCES?
The homeowner and/or property owner is responsible for clearing snow and ice from the following areas: All private residential and commercial property, including property in and around driveways, sidewalks, and walkways.

The City of Newark does not provide snow removal services to private property — residential or commercial.

WHAT CAN RESIDENTS DO TO HELP?
Being an informed neighbor helps everyone in the community. During major storms, residents should stay updated on snow removal operations in the City by viewing NewarkTV 78, Cablevision Channel 12, or television and radio news stations in the tri-state area.

SAFETY TIPS

• Park cars in private driveways or secure them on off-street lots.
• Share driveway space or garage with neighbors.
• If you must venture out, car pool or use mass transit.
• Equip vehicles with snow tires or chains.
• Be aware of alternate side of the street parking signs and parking restrictions when road is snow covered.
• Shovel around the perimeter of your property within 24 hours of the last snowfall.
• Shovel snow onto your own property.
• Shovel snow away from fire hydrants near your property.
• Do NOT shovel snow into the street.
• Do NOT park on the street, if possible.
• Do NOT shovel snow on top of fire hydrants or alarm boxes.
• Do NOT shovel snow onto storm sewers.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Department of Neighborhood Services 973-733-5373
Snow Complaints 973-733-5830
Ice Complaints 973-733-3644
Non-emergency Call Center 973-733-4311
Division of Sanitation 973-733-4311
Newark Police Department 973-733-6000
Office of Emergency Management 973-877-9261
Newark Fire Department 973-733-7400
Emergency Only 911
PSE&G 800-436-7734
No Heat Hotline 973-733-4311 or 973-733-6471
New Jersey Transit 973-275-5555