Cedar Rapids Snow Response Updates for Tuesday, January 23, 2024

City of Cedar Rapids crews are continuing to clean city streets and roadways. There is currently no declared Snow Emergency. The Snow Event End Time, related to clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, will be at 5 PM on Tuesday, Jan. 23. Garbage and recycling collection is running on the regular schedule.

Snow Emergency

There is no active Snow Emergency at this time.

Snow Emergencies are declared in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 61 — Traffic Regulations and are related to vehicles parked on City streets.

The Public Works Department continues its work to move snow and clear storm drains in advance of expected melting temperatures. Snow concerns, regarding access to residential areas, can be submitted through My CR at CityofCR.com/MyCR.

Snow Event Ending at 5 PM on Tuesday, January 23

Snow Event end times are posted in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 9.11 — Clearing Snow and Ice From Sidewalks.

• To help property owners better understand the enforcement timelines and foster operational transparency, the City publishes an official end time for snow events pursuant to Chapter 9.11 Code. The time is posted to the City’s website at CityofCR.com/Snow and distributed through CR News Now alerts and social media.
• Chapter 9.11 provides property owners with 24 hours after snow has fallen or ice has formed to remove snow and ice from the public sidewalk and curb ramps adjacent to their property.
• Each event is treated differently based on the factors of the storm, such as wind.
• If a new snow event starts during the 24-hour clock, the countdown stops for that storm and a new clock begins after the new snow event ends.
• The Snow Event end time will be Noon on Friday, January 19, giving property owners 24 hours from that time to clear snow and ice from sidewalks.

One of our City priorities is to ensure all residents have access to basic needs. In light of this, keeping sidewalks and sidewalk ramps safe and clear of snow is critical to public safety and accessibility so residents can access sidewalks, bus stops, and routes to businesses. It is important to provide a safe, walkable community for all residents, regardless of age and ability. Concerns regarding sidewalks can be submitted starting at Noon on Saturday, January 20, through My CR —  CityofCR.com/MyCR. Thanks for doing your part to keep our community safe and accessible.

Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Waste Updates

• Garbage, Recycling (including glass), and Yard Waste collection are all running on the regular schedule.
• Starting the week of January 22, winter yard waste collection is by request only due to low use this time of year. Residents can schedule yard waste collection by calling Customer Service at 319-286-5897 or through My CR at CityofCR.com/MyCR.

Protect Your Pipes and Water Meter from Freezing

We continue to remind residents to take preventative measures to protect their water pipes from freezing, especially during subzero temperatures:

• Ensure your water meter can be turned off in case of an emergency. Check your shut-off valve by turning it on and off a few times to make sure it is in working order. If the valve is inoperable, contact a plumber to make repairs.
• Eliminate drafts from rooms containing your water meter and/or pipes. Seal cracks from cold air and cover drafty windows with plastic or insulation. Open cabinet doors under sinks to help circulate warm air near pipes.
• Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to cold air drafts with wrap that contains fiberglass or other known insulating materials.
• Cover your meter with a blanket or rug to protect it.
• Protect outdoor faucets/hose bibs by disconnecting hoses and turning off any indoor shut-off valves to those faucets.
• Always keep your home’s temperature above 55 degrees, even if you are not home for an extended period.
• If outdoor temperatures fall below 10 degrees, you might leave a thin stream of water running from the tap furthest from your water meter.

Even when protected by an interior heating source, meters and pipes may freeze when exposed to cold air. Customers are responsible for protecting their meters and pipes. Additional information can be found on the City’s website: https://www.cedar-rapids.org/residents/utilities/protecting_pipes.php

Safe Driving Tips

Help keep yourself and our crews safe with these tips for winter driving:

• Do not follow plows too closely. During their operation, they occasionally have to stop and back up.
• Reduce your speeds.
• Use caution in turns.
• Avoid sudden moves.
• Accelerate and brake carefully and slowly.
• Leave more room between vehicles.
• Increase your braking distance.

Subscribe to City Alerts via Text/Email/Mobile App

The City of Cedar Rapids posts official notices regarding snow emergencies, snow event timelines, and garbage collection changes on the City’s website at CityofCR.com/Snow. These notices are also shared on the City’s official social media pages and through CR News Now text, email, and mobile app alerts. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to these alerts at CRNewsNow.com and download the City’s mobile app, Mobile CR, at CityofCR.com/App to stay up to date with City news and updates.