Watch where you blow that snow!

Yes, there is a snowblower etiquette, with the number one rule of blowing the snow into your own yard, not onto the neighbor's yard and not into the street. [Click to enlarge]

Whether you blow snow or shovel it, there are some ways to be a good neighbor and to avoid fines from the city during the snowy season.

"Watch where you're blowing the snow," said Pat Heissel, manager of Sears in Le Mars. "Not onto the neighbor's yard or the sidewalks. That keeps you out of hot water with the neighbors."

Earl Senn, manager at Bomgaars Supply in Le Mars agrees.

"Most of your snowblowers have the chute where it will turn different directions. Turn your chute so it isn't interfering with your neighbors," Senn advised.

Jason Vacura, Le Mars code enforcement officer, said blowing that snow into city streets could also cost residents money.

"It's considered a nuisance under our code," Vacura said. "They can put it on their property or in their parking. What they can't do is push it across the street into the parking of the person across the street."

Vacura said he had two calls last week during the snowy weather, one from a neighbor and one from a city worker driving a snowplow as to violations.

Offenders could receive a $50 fine the first time, $75 for the second and each additional violation is $100.

"Plus the cost if the city needs to come by and re-clean the street, they can get charged for that time and equipment," Vacura said.

Both Senn and Heissel also stress the safety aspect of running a snowblower.

"Most snowblowers come with a little scoop on them now, where you can reach down into throat and clean it without getting caught in the motor," Senn said. "The main thing is you don't want to get your hands or your clothes caught in the augers."

"It's really common sense type of stuff," Heissel said. "Keep your hands and fingers out of the auger. That seems to be the problem that comes up the most."

"The problem is people are trying to reach down in there and clean them off without shutting off the motor," Senn added.

Heissel also suggests that all debris such as tree branches and yard waste be removed from the area before starting the snowblower. That protects both the snowblower operator and property from damage from flying debris and from damaging the snowblower.

"Don't forget to wear eye protection and gloves, too," Heissel added.

Both Senn and Heissel said snowblowers sold quickly this season.

"I've sold more this year than in the last 10 years," Heissel said. "The nationwide storms have depleted the warehouses too."

"Our snowblowers are all gone," Senn said.

Whether shoveling or blowing snow, put the white stuff in a place where it will not cause work for the neighbor, or interfering with a non-parking location. Snowblower operators should also be careful not to blow the snow onto a neighbor's house or car.

The hum of snowblowers will certainly be heard again and again during the coming months. Common sense and a little neighborly assistance may help everyone get through another snowy winter season.