Winter may officially be only three months long, but snow fall and cold temperatures can last much longer.

Here are some things to keep in mind when clearing snow from your property:

Shovel early and often

Shovel early and often to keep walkways clear and limit heavy snow build up. Shoveling periodically during a storm can make heavy snow or significant accumulation easier to clear. Prevent an icy stoop by shovelling snow off of it right after a storm, before the snow has a chance to melt and turn into ice. Remember to clear sidewalks that are connected to pathways close to your residence.

Watch the Temperature

Clear snow from your property before temperatures drop significantly to avoid shovelling icy build-up. Be mindful of wet surfaces where snow has melted in milder weather that may re-freeze when temperatures drop overnight. 

Avoid an icy driveway 
After the snow is removed from your walkway, sidewalk and driveway, be sure to check if de-icing is necessary. Use salt wisely to minimize the impact of salt on the environment by following manufacturer instructions to apply the right amount, under the right conditions.

 Check your driveway for cracks
Freezing temperatures can cause pavement to chip as water gets inside and freezes. Fill cracks and/or holes. Also seal hard surfaces to prevent water from getting into them. Resolve any drainage issues on your property to prevent ice from forming.

Park vehicles in your driveway
After clearing snow from your driveway, avoid keeping your vehicle parked on the street so City plows can clear roads safely and more efficiently.

Be a good neighbour 
You can help keep your community safe by clearing your sidewalk of snow and ice as soon as possible after a snowfall ends. You can also offer to help your neighbours, especially older adults and people with disabilities, by offering to shovel their walkway, sidewalk and driveway  

To learn more about the City’s snow clearing operations  visit Mississauga.ca/snow. To keep up-to-date on the City's snow clearing activities, follow @MississaugaSnowon Twitter or download the Mississauga Roads App to track our snow plows and salt trucks online.