Snow & Ice Information

Overview

Emergency travel for fire, emergency medical and police personnel is the highest snow removal priority. The second priority is to clear roads around schools and to facilitate traffic moving in and out of the Hamilton. 

Snow Removal

The DPW’s highway division uses the following process during a typical event. Several different weather reports, including our own site-specific forecast, are consulted to develop an action plan in a weather emergency. An anti-icing operations begin 1-2 hours before the predicted event. Main streets and large feeder roads are pretreated. A two-truck patrol is on duty checking roads for current conditions. If a potential for freezing conditions is anticipated, a full-scale salting operation will commence. If the forecast is for more than 2-inches of snow accumulation, plowing operation will be initiated.

Snow and ice operations are conducted on a 24-hour a day, 7 day a week schedule. The DPW aims to keep clear all main routes and feeder roads and maintain a clear driving track on either side of the centerline. Secondary streets aim to be cleared 6 hours within the end of snowfall. Residential side streets aim to be cleared within 8 hours of the end of snowfall.

The Town of Hamilton is dependent on the cooperation of all to have a successful snow and ice control operation. Moving snow into public ways, such as streets, is prohibited by Town bylaws and is subject to fines for non-compliance. Cars parked in roadways during snow removal operations can impede removal progress and is prohibited by Town bylaws. Residents are encouraged to park their vehicles off-street during these events so the DPW can complete the task more efficiently and with better results.

Non-commercial Hamilton residents are welcome to the use of DPW road sand in preparation of a snow emergency. The sand pile is located in the parking lot behind Town Hall. Residents must bring their own shovel and buckets are required. The sand is for residential use only (max 2, 5-gallon buckets).

Snow Emergency Declarations

When a major snow event is predicted, the Town Manager will declare a snow emergency. The decision on whether a storm is a “major snow event” involves a consideration of such elements as the size of the predicted storm, amount of snow already on the ground, time of day, day of the week etc. Once a Snow Emergency is declared, information is relayed to local television, mobile alerts and radio stations. Residents may opt-in to receive mobile alerts.

Parking Ban

During a Snow Emergency there is a parking ban for a minimum of 24-hours on all streets and parking lots. Individuals who impede the snow removal operations during a snow emergency are subject to ticketing and towing at the owners expense.

School Closings

School closings will be announced by local TV and radio as well as posted on the home page of the HW School District website.

Post Winter Storm

• Keep roads clear to allow plowing operations to proceed smoothly.
• Help dig out fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood.
• Use care around downed power lines. Assume a down wire is a live wire and needs reporting to authorities.
• Check in with your neighbors, especially those that may need assistance.
• Be aware of children playing in the streets, particularly climbing on or running out from behind large snowdrifts. Parents should remind their children to be aware of plowing operations and traffic.
• Clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24-hours of a snow event.
• Never run an automobile until exhaust pipe has been cleared of snow.
• Make sure backup generators are well-ventilated and outdoors.
• Take your time shoveling. Avoid overexertion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. If my street is not plowed in a timely fashion, where should I call for help?
A. Call the Hamilton/Wenham Emergency Communication Center at 978-468-4421.

Q. Will my trash still be picked up?
A. Trash collection is not suspended due to a storm. Casella Waste Disposal, 978-548-4427

Q. Do I have to shovel the sidewalk in front of my residence?
A. Yes. Hamilton has a snow and ice ordinance that requires property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24-hours of a snow event.

Q. Who do I contact if my mailbox was damaged by a snow plow?
A. Please refer to the Town’s Mailbox Installation and Replacement Policy.

Q. Can I push snow from my property into the street?
A. No. This unsafe practice is against the Town bylaws.

Additional Resources

Massachusetts Laws for Snow and Ice