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New Yorkers did a double-take yesterday, as they saw snow plows and salt spreaders on the city streets. The New York City Department of Sanitation (DOS) started its annual snow training on Sunday (September 26) — and you’ll be seeing them getting ready for the winter for the next 10 Sundays.
With the 2022 Old Farmer’s Almanac predicting that “this coming winter could well be one of the longest and coldest that we’ve seen in years,” the DOS is preparing early.
During the training, workers have a chance to see any New York streets that may have changed, particularly where Open Restaurants are set up.
“Whether we are preparing equipment before the season starts, in the middle of a snowstorm, or reviewing our operations after winter is over, snow is on our minds all year,” said DOS Commissioner Edward Grayson. “Our in-the-field snow training really gives our workforce a chance to get back behind the wheel of a plow or salt spreader and re-familiarize themselves with the special skill set needed to navigate these vehicles through the ever changing landscape of the City.”
This year, the DOS’s snow budget is $88.5 million, which is based on the average money spent in the last five snow seasons. Each winter, they clear approximately 6,500 miles of snow with their fleet of of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks (fitted with plows), 450 mechanical brooms and 705 salt spreaders
Remember that residents, business owners and property owners have responsibilities to clear sidewalks of snow and ice — so maybe it’s a good time to get fit for that shovel work! You can get more details at nyc.gov/snow