January 6, 2015 | by Sonya Burke

Local Leaders Launch Safe Sidewalks Campaign (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett was joined by County Councilmembers Nancy Floreen, Sidney Katz and Hans Riemer.

Safe Sidewalks is an initiative designed to remind residents they are required by law to clear sidewalks in front of, and alongside, their properties within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm. The campaign also reminds residents to check up on older adults and vulnerable people who may live nearby and especially those who live alone.

“As winter approaches, County residents should be ready to clear their sidewalks, check in on neighbors in need, and prepare for winter emergencies,” said Leggett. “Clearing your walks is the law, but, even more, it is the right thing to do.”

All single-family home households in the County will receive a mailer this week from the County Office of Public Information and the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The campaign also will include bus signs, posters, blow-up signs in County libraries and recreational centers, outreach to civic associations and community organizations, and social media.

The County has also rolled out a new website: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/safesidewalks.

The website includes the County law on sidewalks, as well as details about the slightly different requirements in some municipalities, and copies of campaign materials. It also includes a “Frequently Asked Questions” section. In case you are wondering, failure to clear your walkway of snow or ice within 24 hours following a wintry event can lead to a written reminder or citation of $50.

“For residents who use public transportation, walk, or bike, access to sidewalks is crucial,” said Councilmember Riemer, who has taken the lead in the Council in urging more outreach on the sidewalk-clearing requirement. “After winter storms, we all have a role to play in keeping our neighbors and our community safe by keeping our sidewalks clear of snow and ice. A resilient community can bounce right back from major weather events, and resiliency was my goal in writing the sidewalk snow removal plan legislation.”

The campaign also encourages County residents to sign up for Alert Montgomery at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov to receive winter weather alerts on computers and mobile devices.

County Officials Remind Residents to Shovel Sidewalks (VIDEO)

There’s a new campaign in Montgomery County to ensure our local sidewalks are safe and passable this winter. MyMCMedia’s Sonya Burke reports. For more information on the Safe Sidewalks campaign, visit the county’s website here.

There was no snow but it was a windy and cold Monday morning as local leaders launched the county’s “Safe Sidewalks” campaign on Jan. 5 at the steps of the Montgomery County Council building in Rockville. Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett was joined by County Councilmembers Nancy Floreen, Sidney Katz and Hans Riemer. Safe Sidewalks […]

In this MyMCMedia Extra Video, Montgomery County Councilmember Hans Riemer stresses the importance of clearing sidewalks of snow and ice following a snowstorm. You can find out more about the Safe Sidewalks initiative here.

Break out those boots and mittens you got as holiday gifts. It looks like you are going to need them this week. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for our area from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday. The Service said the heaviest will come right about 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., […]

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Local Leaders Launch Safe Sidewalks Campaign (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

County Officials Remind Residents to Shovel Sidewalks (VIDEO)