From the looks of the empty grocery store shelves around Seattle right now, it seems a large majority of our city has never lived through a snow storm before. While this hoarding instinct is cute, it’s also completely unnecessary and will soon result in compost bins full of uneaten perishables. I was, however, slightly heartened to see that Seattlites are making a run for veggies and not just milk and bread, like we do every time there’s a hard frost where I’m from. But, in addition to stocking up on kale and radicchio, there’s something else the good people of this city need to start doing.
Ready?
CLEAR YOUR FUCKING SIDEWALK. Contrary to what every one of my neighbors seems to believe, it is not the city’s responsibility to clear the sidewalks; it’s the people’s—specifically, the property owners, who are required to make sure the sidewalks in front of their buildings are clear.
Here are some guidelines from SDOT (emoji theirs):
❄️It is your responsibility to treat the sidewalks in front of your home or business with salt or another environmentally friendly de-icing product. Do this today; because once ice forms tonight, it will be too late!
❄️When the snow starts to fall, shovel your walkways each day to prevent ice from forming overnight. Whatever you do, please be safe – it’s slippery out there.
❄️We’re all in this together. If your neighbor is out of town or unable to clear their sidewalk, please pitch in and help them out. If everyone does their part, sidewalks will be safe so people can reach the bus stop or store.
You got that? Don’t wait for SDOT to clear your sidewalks for you because they ain’t coming. And that pink Himalayan kosher salt you’ve got stashed away in the cabinet won’t do it either, but you can use rock salt or sand, as well as kitty litter, coffee grounds, and even ashes if you have either a fireplace or a grandparent to spare. Or you do it the old fashioned way and make your kids go out and shovel.
