Snow is On the Way -- Do You Know Fairfield's Plow Policy?

Friday's forecast calls for a 7 to 11 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

The Department of Public Works has posted its snow plowing policy on the town's website for those interested in preparing for this weekend's major snowstorm potential.

A quick summary:

There are 273 miles of road in Fairfield. It can cost up to $4,000 per hour to plow, so the department must use its resources wisely with residents' cooperation to minimize costs. DPW, similar to the State Department of Transportation, applies only salt. More information:

• Plow Routes: Streets are plowed and salted according to priority. Main road, steep hills, and difficult intersections are done first, followed by side streets and dead-end streets.
• Blocked Driveways: All snowplows are angled to the driver's right so when going by they may push snow in front of your driveway. Avoid extra shoveling by waiting until DPW crews have finished their final cleanup on your street.
• Sidewalks: Per town ordinance, residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks along their property within 24 hours following a storm.
• Mailbox Damage: The town will repair or replace mailboxes and/or posts that are actually struck by a plow blade; the town does not repair or replace mailboxes and/or posts that fall from the force of plowed snow.
• Street Parking: If possible, residents should park in their driveways instead of on the roads during a storm. This lessens the likelihood of damage to vehicles and allows the plows to better clean the entire width of the street.
• Private Plowing: Fairfield prohibits plow contractors from pushing snow from driveways or parking lots onto on to town streets.

Any resident who feels he or she has a legitimate plowing complaint should contact the DPW garage at 203-256-3177.