Chicago residents urged to 'adopt' sidewalks

CHICAGO — Chicago is going high-tech to help make sure the city's sidewalks are cleared of snow.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Friday urged residents to sign up online for the city's new "Adopt-A-Sidewalk" program.

A Web application has an interactive map that allows neighbors to "claim" a sidewalk near their home and connects volunteers with senior citizens and other residents who need help removing snow. One section even allows them to share shovels and snow blowers.

The program started earlier this month, but Emanuel officially launched it during Friday's snow fall.

Emanuel says people should look out for each other and the Web site allows people to leverage new technologies.