BISMARCK, N.D. – City of Bismarck Roads and Streets Division will concentrate on plowing snow emergency routes and work with emergency managers as a resource in emergency situations. If conditions get worse and crews are pulled off routes, they will be on standby at Fire stations so they are able to assist with emergency response.

Residents are urged to move vehicles off the street and keep them off the street. This will be a heavy, wet snow and vehicles parked on the street could be buried with snow and become a hinderance.  Blowing and drifting snow may be an issue with this storm.  Please keep in mind that despite snow removal efforts, ideal results may not always be obtainable during periods of wind, cold temperatures, and accumulation of snow or ice.

• Snow Gates are ineffective with heavy wet snow.  Crews will make every effort to use the snow gates to make driveways passable (8 foot width driveways) and may reduce the amount of snow deposited by snow plows into driveways. The snow will now be deposited at the side of the driveway. It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that sightlines do not cause safety risks.
• Mailbox Clearance:  It is the property owner’s responsibility to clear snow around their mailbox. If it is a cluster box, it is the responsibility of those residents to clear the snow from around the cluster box. 
• A reminder to businesses and residents:  According to City Ordinance a person may not move, dump or deposit by any means any snow or ice accumulated on private property onto any public street, alley, or public right-of-way.  The fine for this violation is up to $1,000.
• Adopt a Hydrant:  We ask for everyone’s help to clear snow from around the hydrants by “adopting” a hydrant in your neighborhood. This helps reduce the time it takes for the fire department to get water on a fire by ensuring that we can find and access the fire hydrant when we need it most. By helping us you could save your neighbor’s house or your own in an emergency. The snow should be cleared 6 inches below all the caps and 3 to 4 feet around the hydrant. This gives firefighters the space they need to attach hoses and turn on water in case of a fire in your neighborhood. If you are a business owner, please take the time to ensure the hydrants in your area are kept clear also.
• Dumpsters:  It is the property owner’s responsibility to clear snow around dumpsters.  In order to ensure that the waste is emptied during the winter months the snow must be removed in front and around the container.  The container must be moved a minimum of 7 feet from where it is setting in order to be emptied.  The waste collection crew must be able to maneuver the container in order to hook it up to the truck.