(WTAJ) — While the winter storm is finishing up in Pennsylvania, we’re not out of the woods–or snow– just yet. Here’s what you should know.

Pennsylvania residents often have a list of things to take care of after a big snowfall. Some of which could cause fines from their local municipalities.

Drivers could be fined

Pennsylvania passed SB 1094 in July 2022. Also known as “Christine’s Law,” drivers in Pennsylvania are required to clear off all the snow and ice from their vehicles before driving. Former Governor Wolf signed the bill into law in honor of Christine Lambert. On Christmas Day, 2005, Lambert died while traveling when an icy projectile dislodged from a tractor-trailer, went through her windshield and struck her in the head.

While drivers could face a $50 fine for not adhering to the law, that fine would increase exponentially if snow or ice on their vehicle caused injury or death to another driver.

Clear your sidewalks and hydrants

While it’s not common for a homeowner to also own the sidewalks in front of their house, most municipalities have laws and codes that require residents to maintain a clear sidewalk. Most offer residents 24 hours after the snow has stopped to clear their section of sidewalks, including this Blair County borough.

In the process, residents should also make sure they are not piling snow in front of fire hydrants. Local fire departments also kindly ask residents if there’s a hydrant near their property, to please shovel it out in the event of an emergency.

To better understand your local codes, please reach out to your local government with any questions.

Residents should be cautious as shoveling snow is considered one of the most cardio-stressful activities, in addition to possible injuries to your back, shoulders and extremities. You can read more about staying safe while shoveling by clicking here.

Government building closures

Speaking of your local government, in the wake of the massive impact Winter Storm Fern had on Pennsylvania, several counties announced they would be closing non-emergency government buildings, including county courthouses. Clearfield County is one of them. Officials in Clearfield County stated that anyone who needed to go to the courthouse for any reason, particularly if you have a court date, can call and resolve the issues on Tuesday, Jan. 26.

Before you head out to handle anything with your local government, residents are urged to give them a call to make sure they are open Monday.

Do not leave your pets outside

Libre’s Law was signed into law in Pennsylvania in 2017. The law was designed to prevent pets from being left out in the extreme heat or cold for more than 30 minutes.

Dogs cannot be tethered for longer than 9 hours within 24 hours

The tether must be 3 times the length of the dog or 10 feet

Dogs cannot be tethered longer than 30 minutes in 90+ or 32 (or below) degree weather

Dogs must have water and shade

Dogs must be secured by an appropriate collar — no tow or log chain, nor choke, pinch, prong or chain collars

Tethered space must be clear of excessive waste

No open sores or wounds permitted on the dog’s body

Violators could face fines and even prison time, depending on the circumstances.

If you see a pet out in the cold and deep snow and fear it’s being left there, you can find a list of non-emergency numbers by clicking here. Remember, if you’re cold, they’re cold.

As the cold lingers across the Commonwealth and people are trying to stay warm, residents are urged to double-check both their smoke alarms and any carbon monoxide detectors they have.

Residents are also being warned of dangerous windchill weather this week. Click here for the latest Central PA forecast.

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