Winter 2022-23 Hometown Messenger

PUBLIC WORKS

Winter vehicle tips from the mechanics at Shakopee Public Works TIRE SAFETY

FLUID LEVELS ■ Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent moisture in the fuel system ■ Use washer fluid that is for rated -25 degrees Summer blends can freeze on a cold windshield, causing reduced visibility (and frustration) ■ Confirm you have the proper strength and level of antifreeze If the strength is not correct, it can freeze, causing expensive repairs If the level is too low, the vehicle may not supply heat SMART SUPPLIES ■ If you park outside, a windshield cover can save you a lot of time having to scrape and defrost your windshield ■ When you live in Minnesota, a sturdy ice scraper is a no brainer! Buy a scraper strong enough to handle the heaviest of freezes A scraper with a brush on one end is helpful for brushing off fresh snowfall, too PREPARE FOR EMERGENCY ■ Keep a blanket, flashlight (with good batteries!), boots, gloves, jacket, cell phone and roadside assistance phone number in your vehicle Your car manufacturer, credit card or vehicle insurance policy may offer roadside assistance Check your benefits! ■ If stuck or stranded, clear any snow from the exhaust pipe, as fumes can come into the vehicle, endangering passengers

■ Every 10-degree drop in temperature can drop your tire pressure by one pound Make sure to check your tire pressure throughout the season and inflate as necessary ■ Your tires need good tread to get friction on the road, especially when there’s snow and ice Try the quarter test: If the tread touches Washington’s head, you have a safe amount of tread If it doesn’t, it’s time to get new tires ■ Consider snow tires The rubber is designed to remain flexible, allowing the tire to grip the road better All-season or summer tire rubber can stiffen in extreme temperatures and become less able to provide sufficient traction

Must-know winter rules in Shakopee The official first day of winter is Wednesday, Dec 21, thoughwinter weather often arrives in Minnesotamuch sooner Did you knowShako pee has specific rules and ordinances pertain ing to winter? Plow damage to sod will be seeded in the spring Mailboxes directly hit by a city plow will be repaired or replaced Report dam age to publicworks@shakopeemn.gov Be aware that damage caused from snow hitting mailboxes that have not been properly main tained will not be covered by the city HOW DO YOU PREPARE YOUR YARD FORWINTER? Here are some things the PublicWorks Department recommends residents consider before winter weather arrives

Winter parking rules in Shakopee prohibit parking on residential streets after two inches of snowfall Move vehicles from the street when a snowstorm is occurring More infor mation can be found in the winter parking map at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/parking Residentsmust clear sidewalkswithin 36 hours of a snowfall Commercial locations have 24 hours to clear sidewalks Do not deposit snow in the street, as this is a violation of state law and city ordinance due to the hazardous con ditions it creates Catch basins and storm inletsmust remain free from snow, ice, leaves and other debris Keep an eye on the street drains and small drainage ditches in front of your home or on your street all year long

■ Start up your snow blower to make sure it’s running correctly ■ Find and dust off your shovel ■ Contact a snow removal service ■ Inspect your mailbox for structural strength to ensure it can withstand the force of snow coming off snow plows ■ Store a container of sidewalk salt and sand at the entryways to your home ■ Install reflective yard markers

Stay up to date with your local weather Make sure you know the terminology of weather warnings A “watch” means to be aware because a storm is likely A “warning” means it’s time to take action and find safe shelter, as a storm is imminent and entering the area While it's fun to play in the snow, remind chil dren it is dangerous to play in snowbanks piled at the end of a road or driveway Snow in a six-foot snowbank can weigh as much as 1,000 pounds Additionally, plow drivers add snow to snowbanks during plowing Children tunnelling into snowbanks can be trapped or killed by a snowplow

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