Snow Removal

The Town of Canandaigua Highway Department is responsible for the snow and ice control of over 260 miles of county and town roads. Below are some tips and reminders to remember when the snow arrives.

Reminders:

• There is NO parking on all town roads from November 1st through April 1st, unless otherwise posted. This is important to follow for several safety reasons. If there are cars parked on the road the plow truck is not able to completely clear the snow, potentially causing unsafe road conditions. Cars parked on the road can also cause a safety hazard to our plow truck drivers and to other drivers who must avoid these obstacles during inclement weather.
• Keep a safe distance away when following plow or salt trucks, they will need to turn around or back-up often. If you cannot see their side mirrors, they cannot see you. Plow trucks also frequently back up at intersections. Please give them extra space so they can back up and get out of the way.
• Please refrain from plowing snow from private property onto or across public roads. This presents a hazard to drivers and is, in fact, illegal (Highway Law 214). Appropriate action will be taken by the Ontario County Sherriff’s office to all known offenders. Snow should be kept on private property in an area that does not obstruct your view or that of drivers on the roadway. It is also best to plow snow to the right side of your driveway (if looking toward the road) to avoid having snow that has been cleared from blocking your driveway again after the plows pass by. If you hire someone to plow for you, please remind your contactor of these rules as well. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
• Never let children play in snow drifts or banks near the road. This is very dangerous as it is extremely difficult for plow operators to see them.
• Keep your house numbers clear and visible in case of an emergency. And if you have a fire hydrant on or near your property, consider shoveling out around it. This could save the fire department precious time in an emergency.

Winter Tips:

• Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, stay inside where rescuers are most likely to find you. Run the heat 10 minutes each hour to save gas and keep warm. Keep snow clear from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/index.html.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
• Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.
• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. For more information, visit: https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-alert-system#block-menu-block-4.
• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
• Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand or cat litter, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full. Visit: https://www.ready.gov/kit for examples of basic disaster supplies kit ideas.
• Don't forget to wipe your dog's paws! Ice-melting chemicals can make your pet sick.
• If you are cold, your pets are cold too!

If any resident should have an emergency health situation during a snow event and needs to have the road cleared, call us at (585) 394-3300.

Please see our FAQs page for answers to frequently asked questions. The Highway Department spends thousands of hours and dollars annually on snow removal to keep the roadways clear and safe. Your cooperation improves our efficiency and safety and is very much appreciated. Questions or concerns? Contact us at

(585) 394-3300 or highway@townofcanandaigua.org.