Rochester is Ready for Winter
This is your source of information on what to do during a winter storm.
During Snow events, please remember:
- Observe alternate side parking regulations on residential streets so plows have room to maneuver. One vehicle parked on the wrong side of the road can delay a plow run for an entire street. Learn more>>
- Track City plows in real time with PlowTrax
- Keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice. The City provides supplemental plowing when the 4 inches of show has accumulated. Per City Code, property owners are required to keep the side walk in front of their property clear. Learn more>>
- Facilitate refuse and recycling collection. Snow can reduce the traversable width of a road, which means refuse and recycling trucks are closer the center and more likely to impede traffic. On collection date, keep toters out of the road and space the the green and blue containers at least 1 foot apart so the driver has room to lift them with the service arm.
- Be a good neighbor: Consider clearing snow from area around a fire hydrant, bus stops and sidewalk handicap ramps near you home.
In the event of an emergency requiring police, fire or an ambulance, dial 911. For non-emergencies, dial 311.
Calling 311 During Winter Weather
311 can provide:
- A live representative to provide assistance
- Information on City snow and ice control procedures
- Information on property owner's responsibilities for sidewalk shoveling
- If a plow run in currently in progress, information on the status of plow runs, including:
- Where the plows have been
- The ability to put in a request for unresolved conditions if the plow has already serviced a street
- The ability to put in a request for snow removal at any time for hazardous or unsafe conditions
- The ability to report any compliments or complaints about City service
- Contact information for County and State DOT for streets not maintained by the City
- Information on a vehicle location in the event it is towed
- Information on how to register cell phones for 911 notification
- Information on how to find your vehicle if it has been towed in the event of a snow emergency or weather event. Please be prepared to provide information on vehicle description, plate number and last-known location. If you suspect your vehicle was stolen, call 911.
311 cannot provide:
- Time estimates when streets will be plowed
- Services not offered by the City, such as shoveling driveways after a plow run
Plow Trax
PlowTrax is an online map showing where plows have been during a snow event.
Learn more and use the map at www.cityofrochester.gov/PlowTrax
Clear the Snow So All Can Go
The City is stressing the importance of sidewalk snow shoveling. For people with physical disabilities, even 1 inch of snow on the sidewalk can drastically impede movement. Please clear the snow so all can go! Per City Code, it is the responsibility of property owners to remove snow from the sidewalk in front of their property. The City plows sidewalks when 4 inches of new snow has accumulated.
Learn more at www.cityofrochester.gov/sidewalkplowing
Adopt a Hydrant
Adopt-a-Hydrant is an interactive online map that gives users the opportunity to “adopt” a fire hydrant near their home or business and take responsibility to keep it clear of snow and ice.
Learn more and visit the Adopt-a-Hydrant map at www.cityofrochester.gov/AdoptaHydrant/.
Heat Sweep
A Heat Sweep is enacted when temperatures drop to below normal and it is anticipated that citizens may need shelter from the cold due to a variety of conditions such as power outages, closed or blocked roads and broken furnaces. The Heat Sweep Program, in partnership with the American Red Cross of Greater Rochester, provides temporary emergency shelter at select City R-Centers.
During a Heat Sweep, the Red Cross is in contact with established shelters and community organizations to help meet the needs of the homeless.
The Red Cross suggest that families make a communications plan in the event that power or cell signals go out, keep a first aid kit and an emergency kit for at least three days of self-sufficiency without power. Winterize homes and vehicles, and bring pets inside. More guidance can be found at www.ready.gov
Parking Emergencies
In the event of a Parking Emergency, the City will announce special parking instructions media broadcasts. Following parking rules enables plows to keep streets clear and hazard-free, and helps parkers avoids possible fines or towing fees.
Learn winter and snow parking rules at www.cityofrochester.gov/snowparkingrules