We are urging all parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of constructing tunnels or playing on or around snow piles; especially near roadways.

Why are snow piles unsafe?

Aside from the obvious risk of snow collapsing and burying a child, snow piles near roadways may be moved, adjusted, or added to by our snow removal contractor during or following snow events. It is not always apparent to operators that a tunnel system exists in snow piles; the sound from the vehicles can be dampened by the snow, making it difficult for a kid to be alerted of an approaching vehicle and tunnels may have entrances not visible from the road.

While operators do routinely get out of vehicles to inspect (as illustrated in some of the pictures they provided below), the added precaution of supervising children and speaking with them about the dangers of playing near snow piles will further help avoid a tragic scenario from unfolding on JBER.