(no subject)

[mogwaikisses.livejournal.com]

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...

Comments

[ifotismeni]

any responsibilities for snow cleaning should be in your lease. i would imagine that your landlord takes care of it considering there are 8 of you, but check your lease.

the sand in the blue barrels is for public use. salt you have to buy (grocery stores have them).

[ron_newman]

"Public use" meaning that it's for the city to use, or that it's for anyone at all to use?

[ifotismeni]

i was always told that it's for anyone at all to use, and used it as such. someone correct me if this is totally wrong...

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

Considering I see them at intersections, and there's no locks on them or anything, they're probably for anybody to use, de facto.

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

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.

[rmd.livejournal.com]

they seem to be ideally placed for "oh crap, i'm stuck on the hill on central st", for instance.

[elizethesleaze.livejournal.com]

hahaha BEEN THERE

From 311 email

[slippaz.livejournal.com]

"The “blue barrels” contain a sand-salt mix that is made available to motorists for use on roadways when needed to help with traction in icy conditions – especially on hills. As a practical matter, some residents use the mixture on their sidewalks after shoveling, but they’re not supposed to use the mix on private property for their walkways and steps. (The salt, by the way, is corrosive to brickwork and concrete, which should discourage people from using the mixture on private property.)"