On Sunday, February 22, the air temperature in Latvia will rise slightly above zero, and a prolonged thaw may begin as early as next week, meteorologists predict.
The maximum air temperature at the end of the week will be 0…+3 degrees. Due to the warming, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution: the risk of snow and icicles falling from building roofs increases during the thaw. Specialists recommend not walking close to buildings, paying attention to warning signs, and choosing safe routes.
The local government reminds that according to the rules, owners or legal users of private residential houses and non-residential buildings are required to timely clear snow and ice, including icicles, from facades, roofs, balconies, loggias, cornices, and downspouts if they pose a threat to others. During cleaning, it is necessary to cordon off the dangerous area or take other safety measures.
The Cabinet of Ministers' Rules also stipulate that during the winter period, regular work must be carried out to clear the territory, including:
removal of snow and ice (including icicles) from roofs and facades of buildings to prevent them from falling from cornices, downspouts, loggias, and balconies;
cordoning off dangerous areas to protect pedestrians and vehicles.
All these actions must be carried out in a timely manner with the necessary safety measures in place. Failure to comply with the requirements may result in a warning or a fine for individuals ranging from two to one hundred penalty units (one unit is 5 euros).
The local government also appeals to drivers not to leave vehicles near buildings and under cornices. To avoid injuries and damage, it is recommended to park at a safe distance from facades, not to place cars under protruding roofs and canopies, and to exercise caution when moving along sidewalks near multi-storey buildings. It should also be noted that technical resources are limited, so addressing all problematic areas takes time.
If icicles are not removed and the building owner has not ensured the cordoning off of the dangerous area, residents can report such addresses to the Municipal Police. Within its competence, it will work with property owners.
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