The Dalles Public Works Department is asking residents to prepare to assist City crews during winter storms by making sure they are ready as well.  Public works recommends having a snow shovel of a snow blower ready to operate, along with a stiff broom to sweep snow off of porches and decks.  Waterproof gloves with a good grip and waterproof boots with good traction are good to have, and get pet-friendly, child-safe, salt-free deicer that won’t harm cement surfaces.  Residents of The Dalles area asked first to shovel or sand sidewalks adjacent to their homes or businesses within the first two hours of daylight each day, with shoveled snow piled on private property, not in the street. except in the downtown area.  Then help a neighbor clear the sidewalk in front of their home.  Snow that has accumulated on cars that are parked on city streets should be removed so that City plow operators will see the parked cars.