Summit Mayor On City Clean-Up Efforts After 11th Winter Storm

SUMMIT, N.J., Fed. 14, 2014 – It is a beautiful sunny day and citizens are breathing a sigh of relief that today’s forecast does not call for additional snow, sleet or ice. The City of Summit has been blanketed in over 14 inches of snow; a record winter with snowfall totals reaching more than 50 inches so far.

“Our Public Works division has done a tremendous job working around-the-clock in the difficult conditions brought on by these winter storms,” reported Summit Mayor Ellen Dickson. “In this last storm, the first priority was to make roads safe for essential emergency vehicles so they can assist our residents as needed. Now that the storm has passed, DPW will work on widening and improving the roads.”

“We understand that snow removal efforts have been difficult on some residents, particularly at the end of driveways,” Mayor Dickson continues. “Over the next several weeks, Public Works staff will remove snow form critical intersections to improve ‘line of sight’ for drivers.  Snow removal takes time and we ask for the patience and understanding of residents and businesses as we begin the process of recovery.” 

Roads are still slick in many places around town. While plowing continues, the Police Department asks residents to avoid all unnecessary travel, and to check on elderly or infirm neighbors that may require assistance. The Fire Department has requested for residents to clear fire hydrants to enable access in the event of an emergency, and to clear storm basins to prevent flooding caused by melting snow. 

The FD reports that the heavy weight of the snow is causing some roofs to sag, especially light weight structures such as sheds.  Residents are encouraged to contact a professional roofing contractor if they suspect the structural integrity of a roof has been compromised. The FD is also receiving reports of ice damming in already full gutters and water seeping under the shingles and leaking into homes. Please exercise extreme caution and call 911 to report water in light fixtures.