Being #WinterReady means understanding winter risks you face and taking steps now to prepare. This page will be updated throughout the winter to add more resources and information. Read below for tips and responsibilities when it comes to winter and snow in South Salt Lake.  And make sure to visit Ready.gov/winter-ready for more information on preventing home heating fires, preparing for power outages, useful resources.

South Salt Lake Municipal Code Guide

• City Code: Snow Removal
• City Code: Clogging gutters
• City Code: Obstructions/Encroachments
• City Code: Parking on Streets

Snow Shoveling

Residents and business owners are required to clear all snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their property within 24 hours. This ensures public safety for those using sidewalks, like your mail delivery personnel.

• Don't wait to shovel snow. The longer you wait, the harder it will be. 
• Shovel snow onto your yard where it can melt into the soil/ground; avoid puddling.
• Don't pile it into the street where it can overwhelm storm drains and cause flooding. Never pile snow on storm drains.
• Keep fire hydrants clear of snow and ice that are on or around your property, and maintain a path from the hydrant to the street. This will assist firefighters in the event that they have to access it in an emergency. 

Snow Plows and Parking

SSL dispatches snowplow operators when there is an accumulation of at least one inch of snow on the roadway. City ordinance requires that residents move their vehicles off of the street while there is an accumulation of snow or ice on the roadway.

• Plan ahead and avoid parking on the street during a snowstorm.
• Give snow plows plenty of space to do their job effectively. These large vehicles are not able to maneuver around parked cars or obstructions.
• Shovel snow to the right of your driveway, because snow on the left will be pushed in front of your driveway by the plow.
• See the image below of snow plow dos and don'ts.

Precautionary Steps in Case of Emergency

A little bit of preparation could save a life. Read below on what items you should include in your winter kit for your car. Remember to regularly check and update your kit. Replace and charge batteries as needed, and eat and replace snacks as they approach expiration dates. Ensure that everyone who drives your vehicle knows where your kit is and what it contains.

1. Stay Warm: Keep blankets, gloves, hats, and hand warmers in your emergency kit. They will keep you warm if you are stranded in cold weather waiting for help to arrive.
2. Keep the Lights On: Always have a flashlight with spare batteries. With the sun setting earlier in the winter, a good light source is essential in case of disaster in the dark. While phone flashlights are great, it's better to have something brighter that won't drain your phone battery. 
3. Don't Go Hungry: Keep a stash of non-perishable snacks like protein bars, nuts, and dried fruit, as well as sealed bottles of water. These can sustain you until help arrives if you are stranded for an extended period of time. 
4. Emergency Tools: Keep a multipurpose tool, like a swiss army knife or multi-tool kit. You never know what kind of tool you'll need in an emergency, and the more options you have the better. 
5. Stay Charged: Communication is key. A portable phone charger, charged power bank, or a backup cellphone can be lifesavers if your car battery dies. 
6. First Aid Kit: Essential first aid supplies are crucial. Collecting items such as bandages, band-aids, Neosporin, and Tylenol is a great place to start. 
7. Car Maintenance Supplies: Always keep an ice scraper, shovel, and jumper cables in your car. While they might take up a little extra space, you will be glad to have them when you need to clear snow, ice, or restart your car if the battery dies.