Professional Snow Shoveling Services in Everett

Everett Snow Shoveling Services & Manual Snow Removal

In Everett, MA, all property owners are required by city ordinance to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property within 6 hours after snowfall ends, regardless of whether removal is performed manually with a shovel or by mechanical means. This regulation ensures that sidewalks remain safe and accessible for pedestrians across the city. Immediate compliance is required after winter weather events, making snow shoveling a critical responsibility for homeowners, businesses, and property managers alike.

Manual snow shoveling offers precise control, allowing for careful clearing of narrow walkways, historic brick or stone surfaces, and areas near landscaping where mechanical plows may cause damage. However, shoveling by hand presents unique safety challenges, requiring proper technique, preparation, and awareness of physical limitations to prevent injury or health risks.

Everett Public Works Department
19 Norman Street, Everett, MA 02149
Phone: (617) 394-2270
Official Website: Everett Public Works Department

Health and Safety Warnings for Snow Shoveling Activities

Medical research demonstrates that snow shoveling is a high-risk cardiac activity, with a significant increase in heart attack incidents following major snowstorms. The risks are especially pronounced for individuals over 45, those with a history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or who are generally sedentary. Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, and when combined with the physical exertion of shoveling heavy, wet snow, this can create extremely dangerous conditions for vulnerable individuals.

American Heart Association – Heart Attack Warning Signs
Phone: (800) 242-8721
Official Website: American Heart Association

• High-risk groups who should avoid manual snow shoveling:
  • Adults over 50 with cardiac history or risk factors
  • Individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
  • Those recovering from heart attacks or cardiac procedures
  • People with musculoskeletal conditions or balance impairment
  • Sedentary individuals lacking regular cardiovascular conditioning
• Cardiac warning signs requiring immediate 911 response:
  • Chest discomfort, pressure, or tightness
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or nausea
  • Cold sweat, unusual fatigue or weakness
  • Discomfort in arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach

Research indicates that the risk of heart attack rises nearly 20% following snowstorms, with most incidents occurring during or immediately after shoveling. High-risk individuals are strongly advised to arrange for professional snow removal, seek assistance from others, or utilize municipal programs rather than attempting to shovel snow themselves.

Accessible Path Requirement for Manual Snow Clearing

Everett’s sidewalk snow removal ordinance (Section 13-43: Removal of Snow and Ice) establishes strict requirements to ensure safe pedestrian passage. Property owners must clear a minimum 42-inch-wide path on sidewalks, or the full width of the sidewalk if it is narrower, in compliance with ADA accessibility standards. These requirements guarantee that wheelchair users and individuals with mobility devices have safe, unobstructed routes regardless of winter weather conditions.

Massachusetts Office on Disability
One Ashburton Place, Room 1305, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-7440 | TTY: (800) 322-2020
Official Website: Mass Office on Disability

• Accessible path clearing standards:
  • Minimum width: 42 inches clear for wheelchair passage
  • Clear to pavement: Remove snow completely exposing walking surface
  • Ice treatment required: Apply sand, sawdust, or ice melt after clearing
  • Curb ramp priority: Clear ramps completely including bottom transitions
  • Cross-slope management: Prevent ice dam formation creating barriers
• Critical accessibility considerations:
  • Clear ramps before general sidewalks prioritizing accessibility
  • Avoid piling snow blocking accessible parking spaces or access aisles
  • Maintain tactile warning surface functionality at curb ramps
  • Ensure level transitions without ice ridges at crossings
  • Keep catch basins clear preventing flooding and refreezing hazards

Senior Citizen and Disability Snow Shoveling Assistance Programs

Everett and nearby Massachusetts communities maintain assistance programs to help seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents fulfill their snow removal obligations. These programs are intended for people whose physical limitations prevent them from shoveling safely, ensuring essential walkways remain clear and accessible. Most programs are operated by municipal agencies or volunteer networks, providing crucial support during winter weather for the city’s most vulnerable populations.

Everett Council on Aging
90 Chelsea Street, Everett, MA 02149
Phone: (617) 394-2270
Official Website: Everett Council on Aging

• Available snow shoveling assistance programs:
  • Municipal Programs:
    • Age-based eligibility (typically 60+ years)
    • Disability verification requirements
    • Application during fall enrollment periods
    • Limited availability based on volunteer capacity
    • Priority for isolated seniors with no family support
  • Community Volunteer Networks:
    • Neighborhood snow angels programs
    • Youth service organizations earning community service credits
    • Faith-based congregation assistance networks
    • Online volunteer matching platforms
• How to access assistance:
  • Contact local Council on Aging or senior services department
  • Register during pre-winter enrollment (typically October-November)
  • Verify eligibility with age or disability documentation
  • Understand service limitations (typically walkways and steps, not full driveways)
  • Maintain backup plans when volunteers unavailable

Environmental Protection and Sustainable Snow Shoveling Practices

Manual snow shoveling provides opportunities for environmentally conscious snow management in Everett. By limiting salt and chemical de-icer use, residents help protect local vegetation, landscaping features, and water quality. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) encourages sustainable winter maintenance to preserve green infrastructure, reduce stormwater pollution, and protect sensitive plantings from chemical damage.

MA Department of Environmental Protection
One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 292-5500
Official Website: Mass DEP

• Environmentally-friendly manual shoveling practices:
  • Minimize salt application: Use sand or sawdust for traction instead
  • Protect tree wells: Avoid piling salt-contaminated snow around trees and planted areas
  • Strategic snow placement: Pile snow in areas where spring melt won’t damage landscaping
  • Green de-icing alternatives: Consider calcium magnesium acetate or beet juice-based products
  • Storm drain protection: Keep catch basins clear without depositing salt-heavy snow nearby
  • Landscaping preservation: Avoid scraping metal shovels against delicate surfaces

Snow Shoveling Services Throughout Everett Neighborhoods

Our professional snow shoveling services extend throughout Everett's diverse neighborhoods, providing manual clearing for properties where precision, surface protection, or access limitations require hand-work rather than mechanical equipment.

Historic Downtown District: Everett’s historic downtown features brick sidewalks, narrow walkways, and ornamental surfaces that require careful manual shoveling to preserve character and prevent damage. Precision clearing is essential to maintain accessibility for pedestrians and protect historic materials.

Glendale Neighborhood: Residential streets in Glendale often have tight setbacks and densely planted yards. Manual shoveling is necessary to protect landscaping and safely access front walkways and steps, especially where mechanical equipment cannot maneuver.

Woodlawn Area: Many homes in Woodlawn are multi-family residences with multiple entrances, stairways, and elderly residents. Manual snow removal ensures that steps, ramps, and pathways are safely cleared for all occupants, prioritizing accessibility and safety for seniors.

Village Section: The Village features a mix of single-family homes and duplexes with mature trees and intricate gardens. Manual shoveling preserves landscaping and avoids damaging plantings that line narrow pathways and driveways.

Hillside Properties: Properties on Everett’s slopes present unique challenges, with stepped terrain, retaining walls, and terraced yards. Manual snow removal is the safest way to clear stairs and uneven areas, reducing slip hazards for residents and visitors.

Commercial Corridors: Along Broadway and Ferry Street, businesses must maintain wide, accessible sidewalks for high pedestrian traffic. Manual shoveling addresses curb ramps, bus stops, and crosswalks where plows cannot provide thorough clearing.

Senior Housing Complexes: Apartment buildings and senior residences throughout Everett require reliable manual snow removal to ensure that walkways, entry ramps, and emergency exits are consistently accessible for older adults and those with disabilities.

Side Streets and Alleyways: Many side streets and alleys in Everett are too narrow for mechanical plows. Manual shoveling is essential to keep these routes passable for residents, emergency personnel, and delivery services, especially in densely built areas.