As we enter the winter season, I would like to remind our village residents of our winter regulations and provide some helpful safety tips. Village law requires that residents must remove parked cars from the street for a minimum of 18 hours after a snowfall of two or more inches. If your household does not have adequate off street parking, make arrangements with a neighbor, who does, to park in their driveways. This will enable the DPW personnel to clear our roadways and facilitate safe traveling throughout the Village. Violators are subject to a $100 fine. Residents are also responsible for keeping their sidewalks free of ice and snow. Please do not blow or shovel snow from driveways or sidewalks into the street. If you have a fire hydrant in front of your home make sure it remains visible and free of snow. If you have elderly or special needs neighbors, please check on them to see if they require any assistance.

When a snowstorm strikes, avoid driving. The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. If you must drive, be sure to clear your vehicle of ice and snow before you start to drive. Be extra alert, plan your stops and maintain distance between your vehicle and those around you. Remember to match your speed to the road and weather conditions. Be careful at intersections when snow is on the ground. Heat emanating from idling cars melts the snow beneath the cars. The melted snow turns into dangerous icy patches and unsuspecting motorists can skid when attempting to stop. When snow removal equipment is at work with lights flashing, stay clear. This equipment moves slowly. Always watch for children playing and pedestrians walking.

Our DPW team is ready for whatever old man winter has in store for us. Their equipment has been tuned, the sand and salt purchased and snow emergency plans drawn. If we exercise extra care when driving in bad weather we can all make our village streets safer this winter.

On behalf of the Farmingdale Village Board, I wish everyone a Happy Holiday and A Healthy, Safe New Year.