ext_218433 ([identity profile] mogwaikisses.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] davis_square2008-12-17 12:37 pm
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Ok, snow confuses me. I have read the tagged posts -- someone complained that someone else didn't shovel / ice the sidewalk in front of their house, and they hurt themselves.

Who is responsible for that task? I rent in an 8-unit apartment building. Am I supposed to do that, since I'm on the first floor? Is there one designated resident to do that? Does the landlord bear the responsibility?

If I AM supposed to do it, where do I get salt? And what do you do, just sprinkle it all around?

I noticed a big blue barrel at the corner with sand in it. Can I use that, or is that a private barrel? It is right on the sidewalk on the street corner.

Also, what if there is a snow emergency declared, and it is street sweeping day on the odd side of the street? Does that mean you just can't park anywhere? I hear it is going to snow like mad Friday, and Friday is stupid street sweeping day.

I know I sound like a complete idiot, but seriously, there's no snow in Texas! At least, not like this...

[identity profile] koshmom.livejournal.com 2008-12-17 05:53 pm (UTC)(link)
It's my understanding (and I don't know where I heard this) that the sand in the blue barrels is to help with road traction if there's an issue. Take a look at the placement of the blue barrels. I've noticed all are at the top/middle of a hill. This way, if it snows or ices up, people can "help out" by using the ready sand to make that portion of the street safer.

If everyone on the street used the blue barrel sand for their personal sidewalk/driveway purposes, the city couldn't have a chance to replace the sand quickly enough between storms, AND the sand wouldn't be there if the road had slick places.

Buy your own roadsalt. It's cheaper in hardware stores than in supermarkets. If you have critters (i.e. dogs) you will want to either use special "Ice Melt" stuff bought in a pet store, or be careful to wash your dog's feet (use something like a baby wipe) after outings. That stuff is terribly caustic to dogs' paws and if they lick it they can get very ill.