If we could choose, we would ask that it only snows in the mountains to the satisfaction of skiers instead of cities, especially in Lawrence with its narrow streets, many triple-deckers and no space to park cars off the street.
Although the winter lasts for several months, there is no doubt that the month of February always brings us more snow and often, the most abundant snowfalls. That has not been the case this year, but while writing this editorial, February 12, we are under a storm and the predictions are reason to worry since it started snowing but will end with freezing rain.
For those lucky fellows (like us) not having to get up early to go to work, we still have to do it to remove the snow from the cars. After that, all we have to do is look at the weather forecast. Today, Wednesday 13, offers temperatures in the 40s so we can trust Mother Nature to be responsible for melting all the snow that gave us in the first place.
Remember the snowfall of February 10, 2015? There was so much snow on top of what we had from previous storms that Governor Baker authorized Lawrence to throw it in the river, something that was prohibited for a long time, in addition to sending the National Guard and equipment to give us a hand.
There is no doubt that each storm has its peculiarities. That February storm will be remembered for forcing a trash collection and recycling delay, closed City Hall and its dependencies as well as schools and canceled school days for two consecutive weeks.
We want to highlight the great work of the Department of Public Works employees, along with the private contractors, who work tirelessly during the days and nights during the storms to keep the streets open and safe for the citizens of the City of Lawrence and its visitors.
For our part, in addition to removing the snow on our property, we have another civic obligation that many are not doing, and that is to clear the sidewalks in front of our homes and businesses to facilitate the passage of pedestrians and especially children who go to school, and let’s not forget the mailman who visits us every day.
And if by chance, your property is close to a fire hydrant, clean the snow around it. This will facilitate the work of firefighters in case of a fire. By doing this, you can save lives, that can be your own!
