It’s still pretty slushy out there, so we thought we’d give you all a friendly reminder to please shovel the sidewalk in front of your house. Not only does taking care of your sidewalk demonstrate that you’re a good neighbor, it’s also the cold, hard law. From the DC Emergency Management Agency:

• Clear snow and ice from sidewalks and steps next to your home and/or business. DC law requires residents to remove snow from sidewalks and steps within eight hours of daylight after the snow stops.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death during the winter.

Here at DCist headquarters, we spent about 30 minutes, working in shifts to clear the snow off our steps and sidewalk today. It wasn’t fun, and our shoulders are tired, but now we can comfortably sip hot cocoa, content with the knowledge we have done our civic duty.

Also, since the temperatures look to drop down into the teens tonight, please jot down the Hypothermia Hotline number, in the event you see a homeless person sleeping outside: 800-535-7252.