While Public Works crews work around-the-clock to keep our streets clear and passable, please do your part to help plow drivers operate safely and efficiently.
Do:
- Be a good neighbor and shovel the sidewalk in front of your home. While there is no municipal ordinance requiring that an individual shovel their sidewalk, we encourage residents to pitch in and help their neighbors, especially the elderly and those with disabilities.
- Clear the fire hydrants near your property of snow and ice. Help our first responders and protect yourself and your neighbors by shoveling a path from the street and three feet around the hydrant. In the event of an emergency, this can save lives.
- Be patient. With this much snow and cold temperatures preventing melting, parkways are more full than normal. This means that the snow being plowed has fewer places to go.
- Shovel a snow pocket at the end of your driveway. You can help keep your driveway clear by shoveling snow downstream of roadway traffic. Make a pocket on the opposite side of your driveway so snow that is plowed from the street will be pushed into the pocket.
Don't:
- Don’t park your vehicle on the street when the plows are out. When 2 or more inches of snow fall, it is illegal to park on Northbrook streets until plowing is complete. Offending vehicles may be ticketed and towed. The Village will use its Northbrook Notify system to alert residents via text and email when the parking ban is in effect and when it has cleared.
- Don't deposit snow onto the street when clearing your driveway and sidewalk. If you have a plowing service, please direct them to keep snow on your property instead of pushing it across the street. The Village’s municipal code prohibits placing snow onto the roadway, as this requires more time to clear and can create a dangerous hazard for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
- Don't put trash and recycling bins in the street. When clearing your driveway, also clear out an area in the parkway for your bins. These containers are difficult to plow around and could be struck by plows or other vehicles.