As we continue through this snowy winter, residents can rest assured that the Township is always ready to respond when Mother Nature rears her head.
Snow preparation begins days in advance, with the Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Public Works (DPW) monitoring the forecast for its potential impact. Trucks are outfitted with snow plows, and roads are pre-treated across 20 zones that span 260 miles.
A few helpful items to note:
• Unfortunately, plows cannot avoid depositing some snow into driveway aprons. This snow is the homeowner’s responsibility to clear; as such, we ask that you wait until plows have made at least two passes on your street before shoveling. • Cars should be parked off-street until 12 hours after the storm has stopped. This allows plows to more efficiently clear your street, and prevents cars from being boxed in by plowed snow.
• Snow should be shoveled or blown off of sidewalks and onto your lawn – not into the street. Shovel snow to the right side of your driveway (facing the street) to minimize the amount of plowed snow that might enter your driveway. • When accumulation is significant, please shovel the area around your mailbox and fire hydrants, as well.
Homeowners are required to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within 48 hours of a winter storm’s end, to reduce the risk of injury to others. Many elderly and disabled residents may find this task difficult – so please check in on neighbors you know might need assistance. Seniors who need snow-removal assistance can contact the Camden County Division of Senior and Disabled Services at (856) 783-4808, ext. 5060.
Removing dead or dying trees reduces the likelihood that one will fall and block a street – or, worse, damage power lines and knock out electricity to nearby homes. Never attempt to trim a tree that is near a power line; instead, contact PSE&G at (800) 350-PSEG (7734) so a specially trained tree crew can be dispatched.
Remember to restrict travel whenever hazardous conditions exist. When driving is unavoidable, use caution and your best judgment. Drive slowly, allow extra time to reach your destination, and leave ample space between yourself and other vehicles. Make sure your car is winterized, as well. A comprehensive emergency preparedness checklist is available at www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
Cherry Hill maintains most local roads; however, several are maintained by Camden County and the New Jersey Department of Transportation. To report issues on a municipal roadway, please contact DPW at (856) 424-4422. A list of other roads is available here.
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