Uniondale was covered in about two feet of snow on Sunday from Sunday into Monday, leaving major roadways cleared, including Uniondale Avenue. Yet, while all Uniondale schools were closed on Monday, residential streets were still narrowed by snow.
While residents waited for the plows, they dug out their own driveways and walkways to prevent slipping. Ebony Guerrier of Uniondale wanted her husband to take a break and insisted on paying for someone wanting to make $40 to help.
“There was this guy that came and wanted $40,” Guerrier said. “I said you could take my $40 because my husband is doing it, and he thinks he is Superman.”
She explained that people thought they could make money because the last storm on Jan. 24 no one came around asking to shovel their driveway or street. Now, people are asking $80-$100.
“All of a sudden, it was like a surplus of people posting about services,” she added. “It just seemed like all day I was seeing, ads if you need snow removal.”
Yet, as she prepared she purchased the essentials, food and snow melt. However, she was disappointed that there was a surplus in cost for snow melt.
As residents, independent workers and companies dug out driveways and sidewalks, another challenge emerged: the cost of snow melt and salt. Guerrier paid as much as $30 for a small bag of salt at a 99 cent store.
“Salt is fairly cheap, however, the 99-cent store hiked up their prices,” she said. “My husband bought a small bag of salt – he paid $30 that’s absolutely insane.”
Salt can normally cost up to $20 in some local stores and even chain stores like Lowes. “I don’t remember how much it normally costs but it’s not $30,” the Uniondale resident said.
In a largely residential community like Uniondale, where many families are responsible for clearing their own sidewalks and driveways, the rising cost of essential winter supplies adds financial pressure during storms.
Parking on both sides of streets limited plow access. High winds also slowed cleanup efforts.
“It’s just a lot of snow and a lot to get to,” said Olena Nicks Nassau County Legislator who stayed overnight at the Uniondale fire department volunteering on standby, where they had a quiet night she said.
Fire officials are also urging residents to clear snow from hydrants near their homes. Hydrants are typically spaced about 500 feet apart, and even a short delay in accessing one — particularly if it is buried in a snowbank or frozen— can be critical during a fire.
“We usually drop the hose at the fire hydrant that we operate in,” Nicks said. “We wouldn’t know until it’s time to open the hydrant whether it’s frozen or not working.”
“It could take quite a bit of time,” she said of operating and digging into the hydrant. “And if we’re talking upwards of five minutes, that is significant when it comes to fire.”
With more winter weather possible, families say preparation — and affordable access to winter supplies — will be key in facing the next snowfall. But will also need to be patient.
Nicks urges residents to email her with any questions or concerns to onicks@nassaucountyny.gov.
