CLEARFIELD – With winter in full swing the Clearfield Borough Police Department offered these tips to the public to help not only the public, but the police department, road crew and code enforcement cope with winter snow.
The tips are as follows:
VEHICLES
- Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is full of de-icer and wiper fluid.
- Allow adequate time to defrost all windows on your vehicle. Attempting to operate a vehicle with windows that are not cleared of ice can be dangerous and is illegal.
- Keep no less than a half tank of fuel at all times. This provides a safety measure and helps prevent moisture from accumulating in the fuel tank.
- Provide extra protection to your fuel system by adding dry gas or other additives to ensure proper engine functions.
- Check your vehicles tires for proper air pressure and tire wear. Tires with little or no tread do not function well in slippery conditions. This also applies to the spare tire.
- Remember to make sure you have some type of item in your vehicle to remove ice, snow and frost from your windows and vehicle. It is illegal to operate a vehicle with ice and snow accumulation on it. Removing this snow and ice will prevent debris from coming off of the vehicle while its in motion.
- Check the windshield wipers. If they are leaving streaks or not removing moisture, repleace them with a wiper of the proper size and style.
- Allow for extra time to reach your destination. You may be a safe and courteous driver, others may not be. Mistakes others make may delay your arrival time.
RESIDENTS
- Clear all sidewalks and driveways within 12 hours after snowfall. There is a borough code stating this violation is enforceable by a fine.
- Clearfield Borough has limited manpower and tools to remove snow. If you live on a street which has remaining accumulation of snow, lend a hand and remove the snow. Clearfield has over 6,500 residents and over 150 miles of roadway. For the borough crew to remove the snow, it takes time. Remember, it is their responsibility to open the street. If your vehicle is parked on the street and preventing them from removing snow on the entire width of the street, your vehicle could get plowed in.
- Assist your neighbors. Some residents have longer sidewalks and driveways. Help your neighbor clear their passageways, there might come a day when you need their help.
- If you live near a fire hydrant, keep it clear with an approximate open area of three feet. In an emergency instance it will be easier to locate and use.
- Keep drains and ditch areas open. When warm weather approaches, the melting snow and ice will go to these areas and limit the amount of moisture on the sidewalks and roadways.
- Check on your neighbors. If you have not seen your neighbor or any activity at the residence, check to make sure they are okay. This is part of being a good neighbor and just being kind.
For motorists and residents, most importantly, be kind and considerate. Expect delays and people with short tempers who are in a hurry. Because you may have planned ahead due to bad weather does not mean that others have.