The first snowflakes hitting the pavement in Evanston heralds the beginning of Snow Awareness week, as Evanstonians stock up on snow melt and gas up the snow blowers.
The city reminds residents that they can receive notifications of snow parking regulations via text alerts by texting COE SNOW to 468311, or by signing up online.
Whenever snow is present on roadways, voluntarily abiding by posted even/odd parking rules helps city plows clear snow to the curb. Residents can also help facilitate snow removal by parking as close to the curb as possible, clear of alleyways and intersections, so city trucks and emergency vehicles have access to the streets.
Once the city’s snow parking regulations go into effect on Dec. 1, snow route parking bans and snow emergencies may be called, based upon the accumulation of snow.
During this time, parking on the street will be illegal for the duration of the time indicated on the permanent red, white, and blue street signs, even if the plows have already been through, as plowing and salting operations may require return visits by city trucks.
Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after any snowfall and asked to clear the area surrounding fire hydrants. Keeping fire hydrants visible and accessible from the street can save precious time in an emergency, city officials note.