To the editor:

Now that winter has made its debut in Lake Placid and the surrounding area, it’s an excellent time for all residents to take proactive steps to ensure their homes remain fully accessible and noticeable to emergency services. The ability of our first responders from our local fire departments, ambulance Services, and police agencies to reach your home quickly in the event of an emergency is crucial.

When seconds count, a clear, unobstructed path to the emergency scene is vital. The requirement for clear access is not merely a suggestion; it is a matter of public safety, often referenced in the Residential Code of New York State — Driveway/Private Roads section. Driveways and private roads must maintain a minimum unobstructed width of 12 feet, even with significant snowbanks, to allow the passage of larger emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks and ambulances. Furthermore, it’s crucial to maintain a minimum unobstructed height of 13 feet, 6 inches, to accommodate tall apparatus.

A wide, well-plowed driveway is a great start, but in the Adirondacks, we know that snow and ice can turn a smooth surface into a hazard in minutes. It is equally important to ensure your driveways and private roads are sanded or salted appropriately. Heavy emergency vehicles need good traction to climb grades and stop safely. A thick layer of ice or unsanded snow can delay a first responder’s arrival or, worse, lead to an accident that endangers their safety and prevents them from reaching your home.

This is more than just maintaining your property; it is a vital part of our community’s emergency preparedness. Every minute counts when an emergency call is made. Likewise, to aid our first responders, we urge all residents to confirm that their homes are clearly marked with highly visible 911 address signs, free of snow and debris. Easily readable markers, alongside well-maintained access, can dramatically reduce response time.

The better your driveways and private roads are maintained and marked, the easier and faster it will be for our local first responders to get to you in case of a fire, medical emergency or police matter. Let’s work together to make this winter safer for all our community members and emergency personnel.

Justin Roy

Head Fire Driver

Lake Placid Fire Department