A snowstorm is heading our way this weekend. It's unclear at this point whether there will be an accumulation – or if it will be a lot – but you should have the shovels and snow blowers on hand just in case.
Based on the latest forecast, we can expect about 3 inches of snow, which isn't much by New England standards, but will still require shoveling.
Even though we should be well used to the snow here, it never hurts to brush up on the laws and rules of conduct when plowing, shoveling and parking.
Here's a quick reminder:
Blizzard Massachusetts: Will there be snow in MA this weekend? How much? See forecast
What rules apply to property owners when shoveling snow?
Simply put: take that snow and shovel it. In Fall River, the law states that if there is snow in front of your house, you must clear the sidewalk.
You cannot leave it for more than “five hours between sunrise and sunset.”
If your house is on a corner, guess what: you have extra fun. Make sure all wheelchair ramps are also away from the street.
Don't rush into the hot cocoa just yet, there's more. If there is ice, one must “make it reasonably level and cover it with sand, salt or other acceptable material to prevent slipping.”
Where to park: It could snow. How do parking restrictions work in Greater Fall River?
What is the penalty for not shoveling?
It is not a crime. The fine is up to $200.
Can you shovel the snow back onto the street?
NO? But somehow? The written law is not clear.
You “cannot place ice or snow on a street outside the sidewalk unless the ice or snow is already reasonably established at the time of placement.” What “fairly even” means is not explained.
If you want a clear, plowed road for car traffic, shoveling snow onto the road generally won't help. It means more work for the plow drivers, which means a truck has to go by again – and push the snow back onto the sidewalk, and you're back to square one.
Prepare the house: It's freezing cold weather. Have you followed these tips to winterize your home?
Can you shovel snow onto a neighbor's sidewalk?
Not only is this very mean, it's also illegal if they've already shoveled it.
Can you save a parking space in front of your house?
No. If it's not a car, it doesn't belong on the road.
Parking spaces are already very scarce in many parts of the city and a parking ban halves the number. However, space savers such as chairs, garbage cans, traffic cones and the like should not be used.
However, if you haven't shoveled space and need to use it, try not to park for too long. Respect dibs.
Who is responsible for shoveling outside an apartment building: the landlord or the tenant?
The law makes no difference. It says “no owner or tenant” may leave snow unshoveled for more than five hours. Tenants and landlords have to decide between themselves who actually lifts the shovel.
Dinarte Goncalves shovels his way to his home on Highland Ave on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. in Fall River.
How old is too old to shovel snow?
Experts at the American Heart Association say there is no specific age limit, but if you are 45 or older, be careful and take frequent breaks.
The association also advises people with known or suspected heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol to take extra care when shoveling snow. The same applies to people who smoke regularly, are very inactive, are overweight or habitually sedentary. People should also be careful.
If you have heart disease, musculoskeletal disorders, or balance problems, do not shovel.
According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, between 1990 and 2006, nearly 200,000 adults were treated in emergency rooms for snow shoveling-related accidents, and more than 1,600 deaths were reported during that period.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Snow Shoveling Laws in Fall River, FAQ: The Rules of Snow Removal