CLEARING SNOW AND ICE FROM PAVEMENTS

The latest government advice dispels the urban myth that you may be liable if someone else slips or falls on an area you have treated. Pedestrians and drivers have a responsibility to be careful themselves and there have been no cases in the UK of people being sued for clearing snow.

Snow Patrollers - tips for clearing snow and ice:

Clear the snow or ice as quickly as possible: It’s easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice before it is walked on. If it is only going to lie for a couple of hours, it is generally not worth gritting. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice.

You can then sprinkle the path with GRIT to stop it refreezing overnight.

A tablespoon of grit per metre of path should be enough unless forecast is very poor. Be careful not to spread salt on plants or grass as it may cause them damage.

If you run out of grit: do not use hot water - as it may refreeze and turn to black ice. Black ice increases the risk of injuries as it is invisible and very slippery. If you don’t have enough grit, you can also use sand or ash which won’t stop the path icing over, but will provide good grip under foot.

Take care where you move the snow

When you’re shovelling snow, take care you put it where it doesn’t block people’s gates, car wheels or street drains.

3 Snowflake Sign

If you believe that a neighbour may need the extra support of having the path to their door cleared, please pop one of the Snow Patrol notes in their letterbox. If they then choose to display the snowflakes in their window, please deliver the more durable laminated version. If you run out of these, please contact the Snow Patrol coordinator.

COLLECTING NEXT BAG OF GRIT

Markeaton Pharmacy allow the Snow Patrol grit bin to be on their forecourt. This is secured by a tie wrap so please take a pair of scissors with you when collecting a bag. Laura has stocked the bin up with grit spreaders upcycled from milk bottles - please take one if you wish. Remember to take a tie wrap out to secure the lid again. If any of these supplies are running out, please contact the Snow Patrol coordinator.

As a thank you to the pharmacy, please clear any rubbish that gets jammed down the back.