Professional Snow Shoveling Services in Joliet

Joliet Snow Shoveling Services & Manual Snow Removal

Joliet property owners and occupants must remove snow and ice from public sidewalks adjoining their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends under the Joliet Code of Ordinances. Illinois municipalities set local sidewalk duties under the Illinois Municipal Code, Division 80 of Article 11. The obligation applies whether snow is cleared by hand, a snowblower, or other equipment.

Hand shoveling is often necessary for narrow walks, gangways, steps, stoops, terraces, planting-bed edges, and brick or stone surfaces that machines may damage. It also creates physical strain, so technique, pacing, and personal health limits matter. Illinois residential owners and occupants who clear sidewalks in good faith have protections under the Snow and Ice Removal Act unless conduct is willful or wanton.

Roadway Division of Public Works
1203 Cedarwood Drive, Joliet, IL 60403
Phone: 815-724-3650
Official Website: Roadway Division of Public Works

Health and Safety Warnings for Snow Shoveling Activities

According to the American Heart Association: snow shoveling and heart health, shoveling is largely arm work and static exertion, which can demand more from the heart than leg exercise. People may hold their breath while lifting, raising heart rate and blood pressure, while standing still allows blood to pool in the legs. Cold air constricts blood vessels, including coronary arteries. In Barry Franklin's research, heart rates exceeded 85% of maximum after only two minutes of shoveling.

American Heart Association
Phone: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721)
Official Website: American Heart Association

People who should avoid heavy snow shoveling:

• Heart history: People with known or suspected heart disease, or a prior heart attack or stroke.
• Cardiac procedures: People who have had bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty.
• Risk factors: People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or a current or former smoking history.
• Low conditioning: People who are sedentary, adults 55 and older, and people with back problems, impaired balance, or recent illness.

Cardiac warning signs, call 911:

• Chest discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain that lasts more than a few minutes or returns.
• Spreading discomfort: Pain in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Other symptoms: Shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or unusual tiredness.

Women may also experience anxiety, vomiting, upset stomach, or shoulder, back, or arm pain. If a person collapses while shoveling, is unresponsive, and has no pulse, call 911 and begin Hands-Only CPR.

A Nationwide Children's Hospital study estimated 11,500 annual emergency department snow-shoveling injuries and medical emergencies from 1990 through 2006. Cardiac cases were 7% of cases but accounted for all 1,647 deaths; adults 55 and older were 4.25 times more likely to have cardiac symptoms, and men in that group were twice as likely as women. A CMAJ study found that 20 cm of snowfall was associated with 16% higher odds of heart-attack admission and 34% higher odds of death among men the next day.

If heart disease or risk factors are present, have someone else do the snow removal. If shoveling is necessary, start gradually, push rather than lift, take breaks, cover the mouth and nose, and wear warm layers, a hat, and gloves. The CDC advises people with heart disease or high blood pressure to follow their doctor’s advice.

Accessible Path Requirement for Manual Snow Clearing

Joliet’s ordinance requires adjacent sidewalks to be cleared, but it does not set a separate numerical snow-clearing width. Clear the full usable width whenever possible. This supports wheelchair users and people using walkers, canes, mobility devices, or visual navigation tools.

The federal benchmark for an accessible walking surface is 36 inches minimum under Section 403.5.1 of the U.S. Access Board, ADA Accessibility Standards. Under 28 CFR 36.211, Maintenance of accessible features, businesses and public facilities must maintain accessible routes and parking features, subject to isolated temporary maintenance interruptions. Private homes follow the local ordinance, not ADA maintenance rules. The Illinois Accessibility Code (2018) provides design background for covered public and commercial sites.

Illinois Attorney General, Disability Rights Bureau
115 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-814-5684 | Relay: 7-1-1
Official Website: Illinois Attorney General, Disability Rights Bureau

Accessible path clearing standards:

• Width: Clear the full sidewalk width, or at least 36 inches where possible.
• Surface: Remove snow to pavement rather than leaving a packed track, then use traction material sparingly.
• Continuity: Maintain an unbroken route across the full frontage, including driveway crossings.
• Curb ramps: Clear ramps, landings, detectable warnings, and the transition into the street.

Critical accessibility considerations:

• Parking: Businesses must not pile snow in accessible parking spaces or access aisles.
• Drainage: Keep catch basins and storm inlets open to reduce ponding and refreezing.
• Visibility: Keep accessible parking signs and paths to frontage bus stops visible and passable.

Senior Citizen and Disability Snow Shoveling Assistance Programs

Older adults, residents with disabilities, and low-income households may need assistance meeting sidewalk-clearing duties. Volunteer capacity can be limited after major storms, so early planning and a family or neighbor backup plan are important. No documented City of Joliet snow-shoveling program is currently identified.

Joliet Township
175 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: 815-726-4781
Official Website: Joliet Township

Available snow shoveling assistance:

• Municipal and township programs: Ask township senior services whether seasonal volunteer referral, eligibility screening, or emergency assistance is available. Confirm the areas covered, response times, and capacity.
• Community volunteer networks: Family members, neighbors, faith groups, schools, and civic organizations may organize informal assistance during storms. Confirm arrangements before severe weather arrives.

The Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine is 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Illinois Relay 711. Joliet is served by AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois, the Area Agency on Aging listed through Illinois Area Agencies on Aging.

How to access assistance:

• Plan early: Contact township services or the Senior HelpLine before winter.
• Confirm eligibility: Ask about age, disability, income, enrollment dates, and documentation.
• Keep alternatives: Arrange help for heavy storms and areas a volunteer program cannot cover.

Environmental Protection and Sustainable Snow Shoveling Practices

Shoveling early and thoroughly is the most effective way to reduce salt use. Rock salt can damage plants and soil, corrode vehicles and concrete, and pollute waterways. Illinois has a general-use chloride water-quality standard of 500 mg/L under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 302.208.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
2520 W. Iles Ave, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, IL 62794-9276
Phone: 217-557-8761 | TDD: 866-273-5488
Official Website: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Environmentally friendly shoveling practices:

• Shovel first: Clear snow before applying salt, then treat only steps, slopes, and icy spots.
• Use less: Spread grains about three inches apart. A 12-ounce mug can treat about a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.
• Choose traction: Use sand or other abrasives, and sweep up leftover salt after pavement dries.
• Protect landscapes: Keep salty snow away from planting beds and tree pits. Use a plastic blade on brick, stone, and pavers.
• Manage meltwater: Pile snow where it will not flood basements, block walks, or drain directly into storm inlets.

University of Illinois Extension and The Morton Arboretum recommend measured salt use and plant protection. Sand provides traction without chemical damage, but it should be swept up in spring so it does not clog drains.

Snow Shoveling Services Throughout Joliet Neighborhoods

Cathedral Area: Older homes and mature landscaping can include narrow walks, porch steps, and brick surfaces. Careful hand clearing helps protect historic materials and railings.

Near West Side: Dense residential blocks may have closely spaced homes, side entries, and shared access walks. Clearing a continuous sidewalk route is especially important.

St. Pat’s Area: Residential properties commonly have steps, stoops, and driveway crossings that refreeze after plowing. Hand tools help remove ridges left at curb lines.

Downtown Joliet: Commercial and civic entrances require attention to accessible routes, curb ramps, and public-facing parking areas. Snow piles must not block accessible parking access aisles.

East Side neighborhoods: Multi-unit properties may have several entrances and shared walks. Property managers should coordinate clearing so all residents have a safe route.

Westside landscaped blocks: Planting beds, low walls, and established trees make snow placement important. Salt-laden snow should be kept away from roots and shrubs.

Senior housing areas: Residents who age in place may need clear, stable paths to mailboxes, transportation, and medical visits. Early assistance planning can reduce exposure to heavy shoveling.