Residents should be aware that during the initial stages of a storm, the focus of the operations is to keep all roads open to emergency traffic and in most instances each street will be plowed only in one or two passes. Final cleanup of the street at the conclusion of the storm involves multiple passes by the plow until the snow is removed as close as possible to the curb or edge of pavement. Generally, it is best for residents to wait until the final push back of snow to the curb before cleaning their driveway opening. 

Snow and Ice Operations

STEP ONE:
Sanding and salting operations begin at the onset of the storm and continue until plowing operations begin. The process of sanding and salting prevents the snow and ice from bonding to the surface.

STEP TWO: 
Plowing operations begin and continue as conditions dictate, using all Department personnel/equipment and additional private contractors. Each equipment operator has a specific route assignment during both sanding/salting and plowing operations.

STEP THREE:
Depending on conditions, sanding and salting will also be done following a plow operation. 

Driveway Clearing

Residents should also be aware that it is a violation to clear snow from their driveways or off their vehicles into Town streets. This practice, which is subject to fine, compromises the town’s snow removal efforts and can lead to a hazardous roadway condition for which the responsible parties may be liable. Private contractors who provide driveway and parking lot plowing services are reminded that dragging or leaving snow trails in sidewalks or roadways is also a violation and subject to fine.

Fire Hydrants

Owners of property and occupants of buildings that have a fire hydrant located in front of it are requested to clear a four foot area in all directions around the hydrant and a three-foot wide path from the street to the fire hydrant. The Fire Department counts on hydrants being cleared of snow to help protect your safety.

Sidewalks

Residents are responsible for the removal of snow/ice on sidewalks in front of their property. Sidewalks along selected routes that are on main roadways which provide ways of access for school children and the downtown area will be plowed by the DPW. Your assistance is imperative in making our sidewalks safe by ensuring that snow is cleared from the sidewalk in front of your property.

Catch Basins and Storm Inlets

Help minimize street flooding by shoveling snow and ice from in front of the catch basin/storm inlet nearest your house. This includes keeping catch basin grates free of leaves and other debris all year long.

Mailboxes

In the past, some residents have experienced problems with their mailboxes due to the impact of the snow pushed by our plows. Please check all mailbox poles to make sure they are strong & secure. Please refer to the our “Plow Damage Policy” on our website under Snow & Ice/Pot Holes

Basketball Hoops/Other

Obstructions such as basketball hoops, skateboard ramps, bikes etc. that are within the town road boundary must be removed as soon as possible. Residents are reminded that a road boundary or public way often extends beyond the pavement. Snow piles left out in the road by homeowners or private snow plowers are also prohibited. The Town of North Attleborough will not be responsible for items left within the road boundary.

Recycling Carts/Trash Cans

Don't place recycling carts or trash cans in the street or on the sidewalks for pickup. Recycling carts and trash cans belong in the driveway and at least 6 feet from the street. Don't place recycling carts or trash cans on snow drifts

Important Telephone Numbers

SLOW DOWN and BE PATIENT!

Operating a snowplow is one of the toughest jobs around.

Please SLOW DOWN and BE PATIENT around our operators.

Don’t follow a plow too closely - keep back at least 100 feet.

Don’t stop too closely behind a stopped snowplow-driver may be preparing to back up and may not see you.

Don’t pass a snowplow

Keep our Children Safe

• Do not let children climb snow banks as they could slip off into the path of oncoming traffic. The driver of a snowplow or other vehicle may not see a child.
• Do not let children tunnel into snow banks as the snow may collapse or be pushed down by the weight of the snow coming off the plows during  subsequent clearing operations.
• Stay away from the plow. If a plow is on your street, children should play near the house as the snowplow approaches and stay there until the plow has passed.
• Encourage your children to walk on the sidewalk if passable.
• Keep sleds/toys out of the street and away from the edge of the road. Snow banks make it difficult for plow drivers to see children playing in these areas so children should never play near the edge of the road. 
• Be careful when crossing roads because it might be hard for drivers to see children playing if they have snowy or frosty windows.

Winter Traveling Tips

• Be cautious driving-watch for our school children.
• Clean off vehicle before driving onto road.
• Obey the Parking Ban. NO overnight parking.
• Stay off the roads unless it is absolutely necessary to travel.
• If you must go out leave early and expect your trip to take longer.
• Drive slowly. Many speed limits are reduced during winter weather events.
• Maintain extra distance from the car in front of you.
• Winter Emergency Kit for Car