We are looking for residents in Medway to volunteer as snow wardens. Snow wardens play a vital role in clearing snow from footways in residential areas during the winter
Volunteers will be allocated:
- 25kg bag of road salt
- hand spreader
- snow shovel
- pair of gloves
- high visibility vest.
All bags of salt provided are for public highway use only and not for personal use.
During wintry conditions, volunteers choose and agree a section of footway, which they will be asked to clear and treat.
Our snow wardens contribute on an entirely voluntary basis. They may not be able to clear and treat these sections on every occasion and they do not have to. Their
Once we've received your application a member of staff will contact you and arrangements will be made to deliver equipment and salt.
What you'll be doing
See how snow wardens help keep Medway safe in our short video.
Rush hour snowfall
When snow falls at rush hour, early gritting cannot take place due to traffic congestion. Roads can still have icy patches and drivers should remain vigilant and aware of the need to always drive carefully.
How to tell if roads are icy or not
It is often difficult to tell when ice is forming on the roads. Conditions vary across Medway from hour to hour. If there is white frost on cars and grass in the morning you may come across icy patches on the roads.
We keep local radio stations and TV networks up to date on current gritting and road conditions.
You can also see updates with gritting, hazards and forecasts on our Medway Highways Twitter page.
Snow warden terms and conditions
- if you are pregnant of have any pre-existing health problems, you must speak to your GP before becoming a snow warden
- be careful, use common sense and pay attention
- choose suitable clothing and take plenty of hot drinks
- clearing snow earlier in the day is easier as it isn't compacted, make a start early if you can
- if you are working alone, let someone know where you are
- use your snow shovel and salt as shown in the training video
- always bend your knees, not your back, when lifting and do not try and move or lift anything that is too heavy
- take regular breaks, inside where possible and keep stretching and swapping tasks
- do not attempt to clear snow from roads, only clear snow from footways and pavements next to minor side roads
- always try to face oncoming traffic when working near a carriageway
- make a pathway down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on.
- think carefully about where you pile snow, do not block paths, drainage channels or fire exits
- spread salt as you progress to stop ice forming on the area you have cleared
- try to walk only on the areas you have salted to reduce the risk of slipping
- use the sun to your advantage, removing the top layer of snow will allow the sun to melt any ice beneath but you will need to cover any ice with salt to stop overnight refreezing
- pay attention to steps and steep gradients and use extra salt if required
- do not use hot water to melt snow, this will create black ice
- regularly wash and wipe hands of salt and avoid contact with eyes
- report all accidents, incidents and near misses that involve you or those working with you to Highways, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham ME4 4TR
- you are a volunteer, there is no contractual relationship between Medway Council and volunteers
- I have watched and understood the Medway Council snow warden video.