As a New Yorker, snow immediately sparks thoughts of a natural disaster. Time to stock up on canned foods and candles in case I have to spend the next few days buried in my apartment. To say that New Yorkers hate snow isn\u2019t much of a stretch; it only takes one misstep to fall on your rump. According to the CDC, unintentional falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injury, with nearly 9 million people hospitalized per year as documented in their most recent report. Certainly many of us who fall don\u2019t head to the hospital, who even has time?<\/p>\n
Luckily for the pedestrians of New York, the city has our backs (and butts) in this. Laws are enforced by the city to ensure that property owners keep walkways safe. The law states:<\/b> Residents, property owners and business owners are responsible for keeping the public areas surrounding their buildings safe after a winter storm. It is absolutely necessary to:<\/b><\/p>\n This must be done within the following time frames:<\/b><\/p>\n Some would argue that clearing sidewalks is more about human decency than obeying laws, but, quite often, these requirements are not met. If you encounter a dangerous, unkempt sidewalk, you can file a complaint<\/a>, assuming the sidewalk has remained snowy or icy past the reasonable grace period. Complaints are investigated to the capacity of the Department and violators may be subject to a summons from the Department of Sanitation.<\/p>\n\n
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