After Capital Region Nor’easter Clear These Out-Could Save Your Life!

We are getting a Nor'easter leaving us with almost a foot or more of snow. It is important to remember to clear out parts of our neighborhoods and houses. It could save your family's lives.

You Must Clear Out These! It's the Law

New York state law states that the homeowner and/or the occupant of the residence must keep the nearby fire hydrant cleared of snow. More specifically, it states,

Homeowners and/or residents need to clear out two feet around the outside of the fire hydrant within 24 hours of the end of the weather event that caused the snow or ice.

If you do not clear the two feet all around the fire hydrant you could be hit with a one hundred fifty dollar fine for the first offense and fines up to three hundred fifty dollars for ones thereafter.

Failure to remove the snow could result in fines of as much as $150 for the first offense and as high as $350 for additional offenses.

There is Another Important Place to Shovel After a Storm

According to the Firemen's Association of the State of New York, a key place to shovel out is along your home where you find any kind of ventilation pipes. If these pipes are blocked, they could be letting poisonous carbon monoxide gases inside your home. This is colorless and odorless. FASNY also recommends that you check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. It could save your family's lives.