STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 As New York City\u2019s first blizzard in a decade stares down the five boroughs, some residents might be wondering when the Sanitation Department\u2019s plows will activate. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to keep in mind that there is a requirement that needs to be met in order for the department\u2019s plows to be activated within the five boroughs.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlows operate when the streets have at least 2 inches of snow on them. The plow is raised a bit off the ground to avoid \u2018tripping\u2019 on things like manhole covers,\u201d A Sanitation spokesperson explained in early February.<\/p>\n
Without meeting the 2-inch minimum, the plows \u2014 and PlowNYC, the city\u2019s plow map \u2014 do not deploy. This standard has been held for roughly a decade, the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
When deployed, each of the plows can be tracked through the department\u2019s PlowNYC map, which can be found at plownyc.cityofnewyork.us\/plownyc\/.<\/a><\/p>\n Note that the 700 salt spreaders the department is deploying are not tracked on the PlowNYC map. <\/p>\n \u201cNew Yorkers should know: DSNY is working to ensure your safety. Do your part both for yourself and for the Strongest by staying off the roads during active precipitation or, if you absolutely must drive, by doing so slowly, safely and carefully. Conditions Sunday night may be very dangerous,\u201d a DSNY alert cautioned.<\/a> <\/p>\n The department is hiring 1,000 emergency snow shovelers to help with cleaning operations. <\/p>\n \u201cDuring the last storm, vehicles that were parked in bus lanes were snowed in for days, significantly worsening traffic conditions and making it difficult for buses and emergency vehicles to pass. In preparation for the upcoming storm, our office has coordinated with DOT and NYPD to have temporary signage posted along Hylan Boulevard,\u201d Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said. <\/p>\n Fossella continued on to say, \u201cBeginning today, from Guyon Avenue to Steuben Street, signs will be placed asking residents not to park in bus lanes for 48 hours due to the snowstorm. These measures will help ensure buses can operate safely and allow Sanitation crews to effectively clear the roads.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe appreciate everyone\u2019s cooperation. Stay warm and stay safe, Staten Island,\u201d Fossella said. <\/p>\n New York City has already issued a blizzard warning for the storm, which could bring over 20 inches of snow<\/a>.<\/p>\n