4 Signs It's Time to Hire Snow Removal Services This Winter
You bought the good shovel. You layered up. You told yourself this is the year you get ahead of the snow. Then…the first lake effect snow happened.
Look - we don’t blame you. It happens to the best of us! As we’re writing the blog post Northeast Ohio is gearing up for a Thanksgiving Day winter storm, and knowing how our winters go, it’s either going to be 2 inches, or two feet.
Either way, If winter is already kicking you where it hurts, here are four very honest signs it’s time to bring in the pros.
Your “quick shovel” turned into a surprise workout
If clearing the front walk now has your Apple Watch thinking you are doing cardio, it’s probably not sustainable for the full winter season. While we’re not trying to fear monger, The American Heart Association reiterated in January 2024 that shoveling heavy snow in cold temperatures can trigger heart attacks or sudden cardiac arrest, especially for people with risk factors. In addition to that, recent clinical commentary in 2025 also underscores higher rates of acute cardiac events after heavy snowfalls, with risk signals especially pronounced in men.
While we can joke about getting a bit ‘out of breath’ shoveling snow after downing three plates of thanksgiving leftovers, no amount of money saved is worth the risk of a cardiac event. Spend the money, hire the pros, and it may not cost as much as you think! Contact us today for your free quote in Avon, Ohio.
2. Your neighbor has a plow on a pickup
In our Northeast, Ohio, snowfall really does change by ZIP code. Avon (44011) averages about 52.0 inches and Avon Lake (44012) about 52.3 inches, while Westlake (44145) can pick up more at roughly 52.8 inches when a narrow lake effect band sets up inland, and North Ridgeville (44039) or Elyria (44035) may see lighter totals on the same day at about 51.9 and 51.2 inches.
Year to year swings are just as real. A “normal” winter around here often lands near the fifty inch mark, but the Cleveland climate site has ranged from a low of 22.7 inches in 2022 to 2023 to a high of 117.9 inches in 2004 to 2005. The takeaway is simple: If your next door neighbor needs a plow on their truck, you probably need a plowing company for your driveway.
3. The sidewalks have that ‘shine’
Sidewalks that shine = black ice. Ice means risk. Risk means it is time to call someone who owns salt in bulk.
Seriously though, black ice forms when daytime melt refreezes on shaded walks, north facing steps, curb ramps, and loading zones, and it turns a clean path into a low friction surface. That is why slip and fall claims SKYROCKET on clear, cold mornings even if it did not snow overnight.
The fix is a real de-icing plan, not just more shoveling. If you use rock salt near freezing, try to switch to calcium or magnesium chloride when it is colder, pre-treat before storms, spot treat at the evening refreeze, and add traction on sloped surfaces.
If you manage multiple entrances or long frontage, consider bringing in a snow removal service with bulk salt, calibrated spreaders, and documented response times so sidewalks, steps, and ADA routes stay open and free of black ice.
4. You own a business with early or late operating hours
Owning a business location in Northeast Ohio comes with clear winter expectations.
Your city expects you to keep sidewalks passable and curb ramps open. Cleveland, Avon, Westlake, and neighboring communities all watch adjacent walks after storms, so plan to clear and treat promptly.
Your landlord or property owner expects you to follow the lease, which usually names who handles lots, docks, steps, and entrances, and how fast service must happen.
Your insurer expects “reasonable care,” which means a snow and ice plan, a vendor contract, and simple logs that show when you plowed and salted.
OSHA expects safe walking surfaces for employees.
ADA expects accessible routes to stay open for customers and visitors.
Your property manager expects you to coordinate freight, loading zones, and after hours access so crews can work safely.
Neighbors expect you not to push piles into the street or block drains.
Put that together and the standard is simple. Clear it. Treat it. Document it. If your hours start before sunrise or run late, schedule a service with guaranteed response times so the site is ready when people show up.
Looking for snow removal or ice management services this winter?
We handle plowing, sidewalks, steps, de-icing, and priority routes with clear response times. Share your address, hours, and a few photos, and we will size a plan that fits your site and your storm history.
Ready for a quote? Visit migpropertymanagement.com/contact and tell us your ZIP, entrances, and any early or late operating hours. We will get you a simple, custom plan that keeps paths open and people safe all winter.
