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Neighbors Helping Neighbors This winter!Snow-covered sidewalks can be hazardous for everyone. The Westerville Snow Patrol Program pairs older residents and residents with disabilities with nearby neighbors who volunteer to assist them with snow removal on their sidewalks, walkways, and driveways. Along with fostering stronger community relationships and relieving some of the stress that comes from a snowfall or freeze, The Snow Patrol make our sidewalks safer for those who are outside during the winter weather – like postal carriers, firefighters, police officers, and our neighbors.
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Volunteer With Snow Patrol
You can sign up online (below) to offer help as a volunteer for the 2024-2025 snow season. The Snow Patrol Program will work to pair you with a nearby neighbor. We will be in touch when you have been matched with a neighbor in need!
Important Information for Snow Patroller Volunteers:
- We will contact you via email with confirmation details when you have been assigned a neighbor.
- You may not be assigned to help a neighbor immediately. Neighbors request help throughout the winter season. You may be assigned immediately, a few weeks after you sign up, or later during the winter.
- Your assignment depends on if there is a neighbor who needs help near you. If none of your neighbors sign up, we may not be able to assign you. Either way, we will keep in touch regularly!
- We ask that you help your neighbor as soon as you are able and within 24-hours of the end of a snow event.
- If there is a Level 2 or Level 3 snow emergency, please wait until it has been downgraded to a Level 1 or less to venture out.
- Sometimes more than one neighbor who needs help live in the same block. If you are willing to help shovel and salt for more than one neighbor, please let us know on your registration form.
- If your neighbor wishes you to salt their walkways, sidewalk, and or driveway they are expected to have salt available for their Snow Patroller.
- Prior to being assigned a home you will need to complete the waiver form.
REQUEST SNOW Removal Assistance
Here are the requirements neighbors must meet to request a Snow Patroller:
- Be at least 60 years old or have a physical limitation (temporary or permanent)
- Live in the Westerville City School District
- If you are able to pay for a snow removal service without causing financial hardship, please seek out that option before applying for this volunteer service. We want to support as many residents as possible but have a limited volunteer pool.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR Those requesting Assistance:
- You are not guaranteed assistance. Service depends on if there is a Snow Patroller who has signed up near you. Our staff works closely with the community to do the best volunteer recruitment and outreach we can, but we cannot guarantee that you will be matched.
- If you are matched with a volunteer, we will notify you by email or phone call. Registration is on a rolling basis, so a Snow Patrol volunteer may be available later in the season. We will call you when you have a match.
- You may not receive immediate help during a snowfall. Please give your volunteer a reasonable amount of time to assist you – we recommend allowing 24-hours after a snow event concludes. Your Snow Patrol volunteer may have work, family, or personal matters that prevent them from immediately shoveling and salting your sidewalk or walkway.
- You should have salt available located outside of your house for your volunteer to use. You should not have to be home when a volunteer arrives to help.