Professional Snow Shoveling Services in Aurora

Aurora Snow Shoveling Services & Manual Snow Removal

Under Aurora snow-plowing ordinances, the persons owning, occupying, or controlling property in the area specified by Section 42-11(c) must remove snow, ice, and obstructions from abutting paved sidewalks. When snow or ice cannot be removed because it is too hard, abrasive material must be applied within 48 hours after snowfall or freezing precipitation. Aurora's published material does not state a citywide sidewalk-clearing deadline for every property.

The duty is the same whether a sidewalk is cleared with a hand shovel, snow blower, 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. Aurora also prohibits placing snow from private property into a street or alley, so snow should be placed in the yard where practical. For snow-plowing status, the Street Maintenance Division lists 630-256-3680, and nonemergency city assistance is available through myAurora 311 at 311 or 630-256-4636.

Illinois residential owners and occupants who clear sidewalks in good faith generally receive protection from liability under the Snow and Ice Removal Act, except for willful or wanton conduct. That protection does not remove the need for careful technique, pacing, and attention to health limits.

Health and Safety Warnings for Snow Shoveling Activities

American Heart Association: snow shoveling and heart health explains that shoveling relies heavily on arm work and static exertion, which can be more demanding on the heart than leg work. 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 not shovel snow:

• Heart conditions: People with known or suspected heart disease, a prior heart attack or stroke, bypass surgery, or coronary angioplasty.
• Cardiac risk factors: People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or a history of smoking.
• Low activity level: People who are usually sedentary, rarely exercise, or are age 55 or older, especially men.
• Physical limits: People with back problems, balance impairment, or recent illness should avoid heavy shoveling.

Cardiac warning signs, call 911:

• Chest discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and returns.
• Spreading discomfort: Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Other signs: 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 Snow shoveling injury study estimated 11,500 U.S. emergency department cases annually 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 Snowfall and heart attack risk study found that 20 centimeters of snow was associated with 16% higher odds of admission and 34% higher odds of heart attack death the next day among men.

If heart disease or risk factors are present, have someone else do the snow removal. If shoveling is necessary, start gradually, take frequent breaks, cover the mouth and nose, wear layers, a hat, and gloves, and push snow instead of lifting it. People with heart disease or high blood pressure should follow a doctor's advice and consider the assistance options below.

Accessible Path Requirement for Manual Snow Clearing

Aurora's published snow ordinance does not state a specific sidewalk-clearing width. A clear, stable path supports people using wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and other mobility devices, as well as people with visual impairments. Under the U.S. Access Board, ADA Accessibility Standards, an accessible walking surface generally requires 36 inches of clear width. This is a federal benchmark, not a rule that makes private homeowners subject to ADA maintenance requirements.

For businesses and public facilities, 28 CFR 36.211, Maintenance of accessible features requires accessible features, routes, and parking to remain operable, subject to isolated or temporary maintenance interruptions. The Illinois Accessibility Code (2018) provides related design standards for covered public facilities and multi-story housing.

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 where possible. Where Aurora sets no width, 36 inches is the ADA accessible-route benchmark.
• Walking surface: Remove snow to pavement rather than leaving a packed footpath.
• Traction: Use sand or a limited amount of de-icer after clearing.
• Continuity: Maintain an unbroken route along the property frontage.
• Curb ramps: Clear ramps, landings, and the transition into the street.

Critical accessibility considerations:

• Driveway crossings: Remove ridges, berms, slush, and refrozen meltwater.
• Accessible parking: Businesses must keep accessible spaces, access aisles, and signs clear.
• Detectable warnings: Clear truncated domes at curb ramps.
• Drainage: Keep storm inlets open where practical to reduce ponding and refreezing.

Senior Citizen and Disability Snow Shoveling Assistance Programs

Older adults, residents with disabilities, and low-income households may need assistance meeting winter clearing duties. Aurora does not publish a formal municipal snow-shoveling assistance program in its listed city resources. Volunteer availability can be limited, so early planning and a family, neighbor, volunteer, or hired-help backup plan are important.

myAurora 311
44 E Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60505
Phone: 311 or 630-256-4636
Official Website: myAurora 311

Available snow shoveling assistance:

• Municipal and township options: Contact 311 for current local referrals and ask whether a township, senior organization, or disability service has seasonal capacity.
• Community volunteer networks: Neighborhood groups, faith communities, school service groups, and civic organizations may arrange informal help, but availability and response times vary.

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. It provides information and local referrals for older adults and persons with disabilities. Aurora is served by AgeGuide, the Area Agency on Aging for northeastern Illinois, as listed through Illinois Area Agencies on Aging.

How to access assistance:

• Plan early: Contact 311 or the Senior HelpLine before snow season.
• Confirm eligibility: Ask about age, disability, income documentation, enrollment dates, and service limits.
• Set expectations: Confirm whether walks, steps, entrances, or driveways are covered and how quickly help may arrive.
• Keep backups: Arrange help from family, neighbors, volunteers, or hired assistance for severe storms.

Environmental Protection and Sustainable Snow Shoveling Practices

Shoveling early and thoroughly is the most effective way to reduce salt use. Rock salt can harm plants and soil, corrode vehicles and concrete, and enter waterways. Illinois has a general-use chloride standard of 500 mg/L under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 302.208, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency oversees state environmental protection.

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, and salt only slippery steps and slopes.
• Apply lightly: University of Illinois Extension notes that a 12-ounce mug can treat about a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.
• Use traction: Mix limited salt with sand, ash, or kitty litter where traction is needed.
• Protect vegetation: Keep salty snow out of planting beds and use burlap screens between plants and the street.
• Store snow wisely: Avoid piles that flood basements, block walks, or drain directly into storm inlets.
• Protect surfaces: Use a plastic shovel blade on brick, pavers, and stone.

See University of Illinois Extension, Reducing Winter Salt Impact and The Morton Arboretum, Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs for practical salt-reduction guidance. Sand provides traction without chemical damage, but it should be swept up in spring so it does not clog drains.

Snow Shoveling Services Throughout Aurora Neighborhoods

Northeast Community Group: Walks, corners, and residential entrances need continuous clearing after storms. Neighbor support can be especially important where residents have limited mobility.

Georgetown Neighbors Group: Shared sidewalks and landscaped residential edges call for careful hand work. Snow should remain off planting beds and out of streets.

Downtown Aurora: Older commercial buildings may have narrow walks, stoops, and multiple public entrances. Businesses must maintain accessible routes and parking features.

Historic residential areas: Brick walks, stone steps, iron railings, and mature landscaping benefit from plastic shovel blades and measured de-icer use. Hand clearing helps avoid surface damage.

Multi-unit residential blocks: Property managers should coordinate clearing for every entrance, shared walk, curb ramp, and accessible route. A single blocked entrance can isolate residents.

Institutional corridors: Places of worship, community facilities, and schools need clear public approaches, steps, and parking access. Curb ramps and accessible parking areas require special attention.