Snow clearing and sidewalk safety reminders during freeze-thaw conditions

As we enter another freeze-thaw cycle this weekend, the City would like to remind residents to be safe while clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and other areas. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Keeping sidewalks safe for pedestrians
Be a good neighbour and help prevent slips and falls by clearing sidewalks adjacent to your property within 48 hours from when any snow, ice or debris builds up.

What you can do:

• Clear snow before it settles, hardens and packs-down
• Chip ice during the day when it is soft and easier to break
• Using sand or salt to increase traction and/or melt ice from the sidewalk
• Keep snow on your yard to keep drains and curbs clear

Preventing a fall
If you encounter snow and/or ice on the sidewalk, walk like a penguin!

Keep your weight over your front leg, take small steps and maintain a shoulder-width foot separation with your toes angled outwards; doing this will increase your stability and helps reduce the risk of a fall.

Help our firefighters
If you have a fire hydrant located on or near your property, help our firefighters by keeping the hydrant free of snow and ice. Please clear a one metre (3 feet) perimeter around it. In an emergency, seconds count; this will help firefighters locate and efficiently connect to the hydrant in the event that you or your neighbours experience a fire emergency.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/goodneighbour.