Loudoun County Encourages Snow Removal Along Sidewalks

Loudoun County encourages residents to work together as a community to help clear snow and ice from sidewalks and fire hydrants following the weekend winter storm. County officials recognize that the sleet and freezing rain combined with heavy snowfall and the anticipation of prolonged periods of low temperatures have presented a significant challenge; however, the clearing of sidewalks is an essential part of the community’s recovery from the recent winter storm. Clearing sidewalks of snow and ice promotes public safety and creates the safe environment needed for students who walk to school and catch a school bus on neighborhood streets.

Importance of Clearing Sidewalks

As the Virginia Department of Transportation, homeowners associations (HOA) and private contractors continue to remove snow from residential streets, Loudoun County officials recommend that, where possible, residents organize shovel brigades within their neighborhoods and communities to work together to help remove snow from public sidewalks. 

Clearing sidewalks of snow and ice helps ensure that all pedestrians have a safe place to walk, especially school-age students. Clear sidewalks are critical for students who walk to neighborhood bus stops and who walk to school in what Loudoun County Public Schools refers to as “School Walk Zones.” These routes need to be clear in order for schools to be open. Clear sidewalks also assist people with mobility challenges and other disabilities, older adults, and dog walkers. Without clear sidewalks, pedestrians are prone to walk in roads where they could be in harm’s way among vehicular traffic. Walking in the roadway or along the roadway’s edge can be extremely hazardous particularly given many travel lanes are not plowed to the full width.

County Ordinance 

Loudoun County requests that residents comply with Chapter 1022.01 of Loudoun County’s Codified Ordinances, “Removal of Snow and Ice,” which requires snow and ice removal on sidewalks on properties that are adjacent to public streets. Due to the closure of the county government January 26-27, the ordinance allows for a 48-hour grace period. Loudoun County officials encourage residents to work together now to bring neighborhoods into compliance with snow and ice removal requirements as soon as possible. The ordinance allows for exemptions due to age or disability of the resident or property owner. This ordinance does not apply within incorporated towns, which may have their own snow removal requirements. 

Hydrants

Loudoun County also encourages residents to “adopt a fire hydrant” near their homes and clear a three-foot radius around the hydrant, which helps firefighters to quickly spot the hydrant and access it quickly in the event of an emergency. In the event of a fire, seconds count and it is important for firefighters to be able to access hydrants quickly.

Stay Safe

The county recognizes that this storm produced snow with a top level of hard-packed ice that is difficult to remove quickly and that it is not going to melt anytime soon as the forecast calls for below- freezing temperatures for the next several days. Here are some tips to help stay injury-free as you clear driveways and sidewalks:

• Before shoveling, stretch your arms, legs, and back to minimize the chance of injury to muscles and joints.  
• Shovel snow slowly and with care to avoid injury and overexertion. Pace yourself and take frequent breaks to rest and gently stretch. Be careful when shoveling snow, clearing ice, pushing a car or similar activities.  Remember to bend at the knees, not the back, when lifting a snow-filled shovel.
• To avoid extra stress on your heart, avoid smoking while shoveling, eating or right after consuming caffeine.  
• Drink water or sports drinks before, during and after your shoveling session, even if you do not feel thirsty.  Staying hydrated during cold weather is just as important as during warm-weather months.
• Limit your time outdoors and dress in layers if you go outside. Wear a hat that covers your ears to protect against loss of heat through your head. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
• Have a phone on your person or nearby and dial 911 immediately if you are experiencing an emergency.

Volunteering and Requesting Assistance

Across the Loudoun County community, the nonprofit organization Loudoun Cares coordinates volunteers who can assist with snow removal. Any individual or group that is interested in volunteering may register with Loudoun Care in response to its “Shoveling for Seniors” need, which is linked from the organization’s volunteer portal, volunteer.loudouncares.org.

Residents who may need assistance with snow removal may submit their need for assistance by calling Loudoun Cares’ connect line at 703-669-4636 or by submitting Loudoun Cares’ online pre-screen form (select “other” for snow removal assistance). 

Reporting

Loudoun County residents may identify who is responsible for snow removal along roads in their neighborhoods by using the county’s interactive map, which is linked from loudoun.gov/roads. If you believe your road has been missed by VDOT, please contact the VDOT Customer Service Center online, and select “I want to report a weather-related issue.” 

To report concerns regarding the county’s snow and ice removal ordinance, submit inquiries to the county online through Loudoun Express Request, using the “Sidewalk Snow Removal Violation” category. 

For More Information

More winter safety resources are online at loudoun.gov/winter.

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