The snow plowing fleet is responsible for the plowing and salting of some 285 miles of road in the city. De-icing includes sump pump discharge, leaking manholes, main breaks, and gravel roadways.
The City of Southfield exercises a clear pavement policy on its major roadway system. The overall goal of the Streets and Highway Department is to make certain that all roadways are safe and clear of snow and ice within a reasonable time.
All Residential streets are plowed with 4 inches of snow or more after Priorities 1 and 2 are done. Should more snow fall, crews are pulled back onto priority 1 until deemed complete and safe.
Street Snow Removal Tips
Resident cooperation is essential to the success of the snow removal operations. It is very important that vehicles are removed from the streets whenever there is significant snowfall. With fewer cars on the streets, City snow plows can do a more effective job of clearing snow and ice from Southfield's 285 miles of roadway. Residents are asked to move their vehicles off the street whenever there is the possibility of snow or ice. Information regrading snow emergencies is carried on major radio stations, commercial television, and our local City Cable Channel 15.
Other ways residents can help the Department of Public Works are:
- Snow should not be shoveled or blown into the street. This creates hazards for both the homeowner and drivers. Shoveling snow from left to right should help prevent snow plows from pushing extra snow into your driveway.
- Young children should not be allowed to play near the street when snow has accumulated. Snow banks that develop make it difficult for snowplows and car drivers to spot youngsters.
- Residents who have fire hydrants in front of their homes, in their apartment complexes, or in the parking lot of their buildings, can assist by clearing snow from the areas surrounding them. The Fire Department tries to keep all hydrants visible and accessible, but frequent snowfalls make it challenging to clear all the City's 3,000 hydrants.
- Residents who have catch basins in front of their homes can help by keeping ice and snow away from the openings, so the water from the melting ice and snow can drain freely. During the snow removal process, it is possible that some damage may occur to your curbside mailbox or lawn. If that happens, call the Department of Public Works at (248) 796-4860. A temporary mailbox will be set up. The permanent replacement of the mailbox and/or lawn repairs will be made as weather permits.
In the Event of A Snow Emergency:
If the City of Southfield declares a snow emergency, homeowners are requested to do the following:
- Remove all vehicles from the street so that snow plows may clear the roadways.
- Do not blow or shovel snow into the street. This creates hazards for both the homeowner and drivers. When shoveling snow from your driveway apron, shovel from left to right (with your back to your house). This should help prevent snow plows from pushing extra snow into your driveway.
- Dress appropriately before attempting to shovel or remove snow from your driveway or sidewalk. Take frequent breaks.
- Remember to clear sidewalks for safer pedestrian use.
- In the event that ice or snow collapses a power line, stay clear of the area and contact Detroit Edison, at (800) 477-4747; or the Southfield Police Department at (248) 796-5500.
- Seek additional information on major radio stations, commercial television, and our local City Cable Channel 15.