5 Things You Must Do Immediately After Heavy Snowfall

A heavy snowfall in Brooklyn Park can turn sidewalks into ice slides, block driveways, and make simple things, like taking out the trash feel risky. The storm may be over, but the danger isn’t. Winter storms can bring heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold wind chills that make travel and outdoor work unsafe.
Below are the 5 most important things to do right away, written in simple steps you can follow.
1) Check for Hazards Before you Step Outside
Before you grab a shovel, take one minute to scan the area. Snow hides problems.
Look for:
- Downed or low-hanging wires near the sidewalk or driveway
- Tree branches bent or broken over walkways
- Ice on steps, stoops, ramps, and curb cuts
- Blocked exits (front door, back door, garage side door)
If anything looks unsafe, keep your distance and handle it carefully. Ice and wind after a storm can still cause damage and injuries.
Brooklyn Park reminder: Property owners and residents are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, and the city notes this must be done within a set time after snowfall stops.
2) Protect your Property (Vents, Pipes, Roof Edges)
Heavy snow creates problems you might not see until later, especially when temperatures drop again.
Do these quick checks:
- Clear vents: Make sure furnace vents, dryer vents, and bathroom vents aren’t buried. Blocked vents can become a safety issue.
- Watch for frozen pipe signs: Low water pressure, no flow, or strange sounds can mean a pipe is freezing.
- Look at roof edges and gutters: Ice buildup and heavy snow can lead to leaks when it melts.
If you manage a business, check your loading areas and entry points too. Keeping access safe is part of protecting your customers and staff.
3) Clear the Must-walk Areas First
You don’t need to clear every inch immediately. Start with what you must use today.
Clear these first:
- Front steps and entry walkway
- Sidewalk in front of your property
- A safe path to the trash bins and mailbox
- A path to your car (or to where deliveries happen)
Safer shoveling tips:
- Push snow when you can instead of lifting heavy piles
- Take breaks (heavy snow is exhausting)
- Wear boots with grip
- Use sand/salt/de-icer on steps and shaded areas
Also, don’t wait too long. Snow packs down fast, and packed snow turns into hard ice that’s much harder to remove.
4) Contact a Snow Removal Company
This is one of the smartest moves after a big storm.
When you call a snow removal company, you get:
- Faster clearing before snow turns into solid ice
- Safer removal (less risk of slips, strains, and exhaustion)
- Better access for emergency needs, deliveries, and customers
- A cleaner, more professional-looking property
At Kaba Junk Removal, we provide snow removal service in Brooklyn Park and nearby areas like Minneapolis and Maple Grove. Our goal is to keep your property safe and easy to navigate after heavy snow.
If you’re searching snow removal services near me, don’t wait until the sidewalks refreeze overnight. Fast service makes a difference. Read in detail why you need us:
If you’re dealing with deep snow or thick ice, it helps to know what a proper cleanup plan looks like before you start shoveling for hours. We always suggest learning the basics of safe, complete snow clearing (walkways, entrances, and high-traffic areas), understanding when it’s smarter to bring in a professional team during heavy storms, and how early snow service can keep your property safer and easier to access all winter. For more details, you can read our guides on snow removal, why hiring pros can beat DIY in major snowfalls, and how professional winter planning keeps homes and businesses safe and open.
For businesses: use commercial snow removal services
If you have a storefront, office, or multi-unit building, icy entrances can become a serious liability fast. Commercial snow removal services help keep:
- Sidewalks and entry paths clear
- Customer areas safer
- Parking and access routes usable
- Business operations moving on time
5) Stop Refreezing and Prevent Snowmelt Problems
After you clear snow, your next enemy is refreeze and meltwater.
Stop refreezing (black ice)
Snow melts during the day and freezes again at night. That’s how you get surprise slick spots on steps and sidewalks. Apply salt/de-icer again if temperatures drop.
Prevent snowmelt flooding and wet clutter
When snow melts, water can rush toward low spots, garage edges, walkout doors, basement stairs, and window wells. If water gets in, move wet items quickly. Wet junk and cardboard can start smelling bad and may lead to mold.
If you end up with water-damaged clutter after the melt, we can help with hauling and cleanup too:
Bonus: Watch for Parking Rules During Snow Emergencies
Brooklyn Park has snow emergency rules and winter parking restrictions that can affect street access and plowing. These steps can help you avoid towing or fines and help plows do their job.
- Winter overnight street parking ban: From Nov 1–Mar 31, you can’t park on city streets from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Snow emergency rules: During a declared snow emergency, no parking on city streets until the street is plowed full-width.
- Common “no parking” zones: Don’t park on sidewalks, in front of driveways, across from driveways, within 10 ft of a fire hydrant, or within 20 ft of a mailbox (Mon–Sat, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.).
- Time limit: Vehicles can’t be parked more than 24 hours on the street.
- Vehicle condition rules: Vehicles/trailers kept outside must be currently licensed, registered to a resident, and operable (no inoperable/unlicensed vehicles stored outside).
FAQs
How soon should I clear my sidewalk after snowfall in Brooklyn Park?
As soon as it’s safe. The City of Brooklyn Park says owners and residents must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within a specific time after snowfall stops.
Do you provide snow removal service in brooklyn park for homes and businesses?
Yes. We help residential and commercial properties in Brooklyn Park (and nearby areas like Minneapolis and Maple Grove).
What should I do before your team arrives?
Move small obstacles (mats, bins, planters) away from steps and sidewalks, and tell us which areas matter most (entrance, sidewalk, driveway, storefront path).
Do you offer commercial snow removal services for storefronts and offices?
Yes. We can help keep entrances, sidewalks, and high-traffic areas clear to reduce slip risk and keep your business accessible.










