Professional Snow Shoveling Services in Beverly

Beverly Snow Shoveling Services & Manual Snow Removal

In Beverly, MA, property owners are required by city ordinance to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after the end of snowfall. This snow clearing requirement applies equally to sidewalks that are shoveled manually or cleared using mechanical equipment. Immediate compliance is essential following winter weather events, regardless of the chosen removal method, to ensure public safety and accessibility throughout the city. Manual snow shoveling remains crucial for precise clearing of narrow walkways, historic brick surfaces, and areas adjacent to landscaping where plows or snowblowers risk causing damage. However, manual snow removal presents unique physical challenges and requires proper technique and preparation to prevent injury or health emergencies.

Beverly Public Works Department
502 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: (978) 921-6053
Official Website: Beverly Public Works Department

Health and Safety Warnings for Snow Shoveling Activities

Medical research consistently identifies snow shoveling as a high-risk activity for cardiac events, with a significant increase in heart attack incidents following major snowstorms. The physical demands of shoveling, especially in cold temperatures that constrict blood vessels, can be dangerous for individuals over 45, those with known cardiovascular conditions, and people who are generally sedentary. Heavy lifting and sustained exertion in the cold create hazardous conditions, especially for vulnerable populations.

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 shows that the risk of heart attack increases by nearly 20% following snowstorms, with the majority of incidents occurring during or immediately after shoveling. Individuals in high-risk groups should make alternative arrangements, such as hiring professional services or utilizing municipal assistance programs, rather than attempting manual snow removal themselves.

Accessible Path Requirement for Manual Snow Clearing

According to Beverly’s snow removal ordinance, property owners must clear their sidewalks to ensure accessibility for all pedestrians, including those using wheelchairs or mobility devices. The ordinance requires a minimum cleared width of 42 inches or the full sidewalk width, whichever is less, to comply with ADA standards. This ensures that sidewalks remain safely passable and accessible throughout winter weather events.

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

Beverly and neighboring Massachusetts communities maintain programs designed to help seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents fulfill their legal snow removal obligations. These assistance programs are critical for those with physical limitations that make manual shoveling unsafe or impossible. The programs are volunteer-driven or municipally coordinated, providing essential safety and accessibility services for vulnerable community members during the winter months.

Beverly Council on Aging
90 Colon Street, Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: (978) 921-6017
Official Website: Beverly 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 offers significant opportunities for environmentally sustainable snow management. By relying on hand tools instead of mechanical spreaders, property owners can minimize salt usage and protect local vegetation and landscaping. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection encourages sustainable winter maintenance practices to protect water quality, green infrastructure, and planted areas from the harmful effects of chemical de-icers.

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 will not 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 Beverly Neighborhoods

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

Historic Districts (e.g., Beverly Common, Cabot Street): These areas feature brick sidewalks, narrow walkways, and centuries-old steps. Manual shoveling is essential to prevent damage to historic surfaces and meet preservation requirements. Crews must carefully clear snow to maintain the district’s unique aesthetics and ensure safe passage for residents and visitors.

Downtown Mixed-Use Buildings: Downtown Beverly includes multi-unit residences and storefronts with limited sidewalk frontage. Manual snow clearing is necessary where plows cannot operate safely, and to maintain accessibility for all customers, including those with disabilities or mobility aids.

Ryal Side and Riverfront Properties: Homes along the Bass River and Ryal Side area often have tight spaces, terraced entrances, and intricate landscaping. Manual shoveling provides the control needed to clear steps, walkways, and garden paths without disturbing plantings or causing runoff into the river.

Montserrat and College Neighborhoods: These residential zones include properties with stepped terrain, long driveways, and elderly populations. Manual snow removal is required for access routes with stairs or steep slopes, and to support residents who may not be able to manage heavy equipment.

Centerville and North Beverly Single-Family Homes: These suburban areas feature wide driveways but often have narrow access paths, porch steps, and mailboxes that require hand shoveling. Residents prioritize manual clearing for safety around entrances and to maintain curb appeal during winter months.

Beverly Farms and Prides Crossing: With their established gardens, stone walkways, and historic estates, these neighborhoods require careful manual shoveling to protect landscaping and prevent damage to delicate surfaces. Snow must be cleared from multiple entrances and garden paths to accommodate household needs.

Multi-Unit and Senior Living Complexes: Apartment buildings and senior housing communities across Beverly rely on manual snow removal for entryways, ramps, and shared walkways. Special attention is given to accessible entrances, emergency exits, and areas with high pedestrian traffic.

Neighborhoods with Steep Grades (e.g., Prospect Hill): Properties on Beverly’s hillsides present unique challenges, with sloped walkways and challenging access points. Manual shoveling ensures safe passage on stairs and prevents slip hazards in areas where mechanical equipment is not practical.