What Do You Do About The Neighbor Who Won’t Shovel Snow? [Block Talk]

ACROSS AMERICA — It’s practically guaranteed that somewhere in America, someone’s sidewalk will remain unshoveled and snow-packed after a measurable snowfall. How should you handle it?

We’re asking for Block Talk, a Patch exclusive series on neighborhood etiquette.

Most cities and towns require property owners to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks in front of their homes within a reasonable amount of time after the snow stops falling.

There may be valid reasons people don’t shovel. Snow shoveling kills about 100 people a year, according to the National Safety Council, which advised that pushing a heavy snow blower also can cause injury.

While most healthy, physically fit people can shovel even heavy amounts of snow without having a problem, moving hundreds of pounds can put a big strain on the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack, according to the American Heart Association.

But still, even with a valid reason, snow can pile up and create hazards for neighbors. What do you do? Please fill out the form below — and rest assured, we will not collect your email address.

About Block Talk

Block Talk is a regular Patch feature offering real-world advice from readers on how to resolve everyday neighborhood problems. If you have a neighborhood etiquette question or problem you'd like for us to consider, email beth.dalbey@patch.com, with Block Talk as the subject line.
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