Archived News Release: December 9, 2016 - Winter weather is making its regularly scheduled appearance in Ann Arbor with very cold temperatures returning and the first significant snow of the year expected this weekend. Residents, businesses and property owners should be prepared to clear their sidewalks and take proper precautions to reduce the possibility of frozen water pipes and other cold weather problems.
Clearing sidewalks, crosswalk ramps and bus stops
Residents and/or property owners are responsible for removing snow/ice from adjacent sidewalks, crosswalk ramps and bus stops. Residents/property owners will receive only one warning, per season, before incurring fines.
Please exercise caution and care when shoveling, especially during extreme cold. Remember, moving snow/ice from private property onto a public street, sidewalk or bridge not only poses a significant safety hazard, it's against the law. To report a problem sidewalk, please use the A2 Fix It app, visit www.a2gov.org/a2fixit or call 734.794.6942.
Residential property
Within 24-hours, any accumulation of snow greater than 1 inch must be cleared from adjacent sidewalks, concrete bus stops and crosswalk ramps. Any ice accumulations must be treated within 18- hours of forming, using sand, salt or other substance, to prevent it from becoming slippery. The city is not responsible for clearing mailboxes of snow and/or ice.
Non-residential property
Any snow/ice that has accumulated by 6 a.m. must be removed from adjacent sidewalks, bus stop walks and crosswalk ramps before noon on the same day.
To protect water service
For pipes located within cabinets, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate through. If you have young children, relocate any chemicals or cleaners that may have otherwise been out of reach behind the cabinet doors.
Insulate any spigots or pipes on the outside of your home.
Let your faucet drip to keep water moving through the pipes.
Set your thermostat to the same temperature day and night. A slightly higher energy bill is worth avoiding the expense of a broken pipe and possible flooding.
If you will be away from home, set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.
Make sure you can locate your water shut off/water isolation valve inside the home before a water break occurs.
It is imperative that residents not attempt to unfreeze an indoor water pipe with an open flame or flammable liquid. This work is best left to professionals.
If you experience a frozen water pipe, or water has stopped flowing into your home, and you are unable to determine the location or nature of the problem, please contact the City of Ann Arbor so that we can determine if the problem is on the city side of water service. If you experience a broken or leaking water pipe, and can't find your isolation valve, or it doesn't work, please contact the city so that we can shut off your water using the curb valve, for a fee. If a water emergency occurs, please call us at 734.794.6320 Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. At all other times, please call 734.994.2840. If you live in a rental property/multi-family/apartment building, please contact your property manager first.
Recycling and trash carts in winter
Carts should go on extension or driveway whenever possible, never in a bike lane.
Carts must be free of debris, including snow/ice, which may hinder service.
Don't place carts on snow banks. Clear a "shelf" so the cart can rest flat.
If possible, put carts out after street has been plowed.
Special-pickup customers (for physically challenged residents) must provide driveways or walkways clear of snow/ice. To learn more about this service, contact customer service at 734.794.6320.
Other tips to keep in mind
Keep sump pump air gaps outside of the home free of snow and ice.
If possible, remove snow and ice from the fire hydrant near your home so that they are clear, visible and accessible, which will allow emergency responders to act more quickly in case of a fire.
While out shoveling your sidewalk, keep an eye on your storm drains. Helping to clear them of snow, ice and debris will prevent flooding as temperatures rise.
During heavy snow, please remove vehicles from street parking. This allows plows to clear more snow, which will make driving and parking easier and safer after a storm.
During a severe winter storm, a snow emergency may be declared. This declaration will be shared via the media, CTN, email, the city's social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) as well as at www.a2gov.org.
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