Preparing for snow and ice

When snow is forecast, this is the time to spread ice crystals (actually, anti-ice crystals) on the steps and ramps.  Prevention is the theme here.

The white crystals look like rock salt but are not sodium-based.  They are stored in a labeled bin in the coat room.  If there is no cup in the bin, use one from the kitchen but wash it thoroughly afterward.  Cast the crystals in a light pattern over the steps, the porch and the walkway, as well as the entire two ramps.


Once fallen, a light snow may be swept aside with a straw broom or the push broom that is kept in the lower custodial storage room, near the lower ramp door.  A snow shovel also is in the storage room.  If recently used, it still may be in the coat room.  Afterward, spread more crystals.

Plans should be made in advance for applying crystals or for snow removal, especially on Sunday mornings. 

If an overnight snowfall is too heavy for safe walking and driving, the parking lot may have to be plowed before Sunday services.  An arrangement should be made in advance with a plow operator.   This may require at the least a small advance fee so that our site will be high on the plow owner's priority list.  If a plow is to be called, the entrances to the parking lot should be blocked to keep all other vehicles out until the lot is cleared.  There are yellow traffic barriers and orange cones in the outside storage compound.  There is a combination lock whose number may be given over the telephone.

At the very least, able-bodied church-goers should be prepared to assist driver unfamiliar with snow and ice conditions with parking their vehicles--perhaps as a valet system.  And once parked, an escort to accompany the less-abled  from and to their cars would be prudent as well as thoughtful.

In the event of a severe snowstorm, the church leadership may decide to discourage church attendance, for services or activities.  A pre-planned telephone campaign may be instituted to e-mail or call everyone.  The Sunday service may be simply postponed until an afternoon period to allow clearing weather and city plows and sanders to make the streets safer to drive upon.