With the first major snowstorm of the season, the Minnesota Council on Disability asks you to remove the snow from your sidewalks and curb ramps.
Sidewalks and curb ramps are lifelines for many people with disabilities and for our senior community.
When sidewalks and curb ramps are not cleared, it can mean the difference between getting groceries, going to work, going to the bus stop or not. It can mean the difference between being able to get your prescriptions at the local drug store and attending your neighborhood church or not .
And it can be a matter of life and death.
When sidewalks and curb ramps are not properly cleared, they can become impassable and create a potentially life-threatening situation for people who are forced into the street alongside traffic.
Shovel your sidewalk and curb ramps as soon as possible after a snowfall. Don’t wait for the snow to melt!
Snow removal is governed by city ordinance. Visit your city’s website to learn more about:
- Snow removal ordinances for residential and commercial buildings
- Potential fines for failure to remove snow in a timely manner
- Tips and helpful resources for shoveling your sidewalk
- Reporting snow and ice on local sidewalks
If you are a person with a disability in need of assistance with snow removal, contact Disability Hub MN for resources. Note: These resources may come at a cost. If possible, make arrangements for snow removal prior to the snow season.
Senior citizens can contact the Senior LinkAge Line for resources.
Keeping sidewalks and curb ramps clear of snow and ice is the neighborly thing to do–and it’s the law. If you live near senior citizens or people with disabilities, volunteer to shovel their walkways. Let’s all do our part!