Mayor Menino Declares Snow
Emergency for City of Boston
Mayor Thomas M. Menino today announced a Snow Emergency and parking
ban for the City of Boston will go into effect tonight at 9 p.m. An
updated forecast indicates the storm is expected to result in up to
8 inches of snow in parts of Boston, with heaviest snow fall between
5 p.m. Saturday and 1 a.m. Sunday. There is also the potential for
rain during this time, which will result in heavier snow than
previously forecast. Temperatures over the next week are not
expected to rise above freezing, making road clearing a top priority
for public safety. The Snow Emergency and ban will go into effect at
9 p.m. to allow for previously planned evening activities in the
Downtown area. Members of the Mayor's Snow Team met again today to
discuss the latest storm related information and response plans for
the weekend. The Snow Team will continue to monitor the forecast
throughout the weather event, and will continue to receive an
updated forecasts.
“With up to 8 inches of snow expected in parts of the City, and
freezing temperatures forecast for the next week, it's extremely
important we get our roadways cleared as soon as possible in the
interest of public safety," Mayor Menino said. "We want everyone to
enjoy the holiday weekend in our city, but we're urging an abundance
of caution for all. Residents and visitors should allow for
additional travel time throughout the city, and use public
transportation whenever possible. Our teams will be working hard
throughout the weekend to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year's
celebration in the City of Boston.”
Boston Public Works crews are prepared for the snow event, and will
have approximately 200 pieces of equipment active on City streets by
6 p.m. this evening. Crews will work through the night to clear
roadways, but are urging pedestrians, bikers and drivers to exercise
caution and pay special attention to narrowed roadways. Boston
Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services have arranged for
additional staffing, and Police will open its Unified Command Center
at 4 p.m. this afternoon. The Transportation Department will open
its traffic management center this evening, and will begin clearing
vehicles violating existing parking restrictions, particularly at
intersections, at 4 p.m. today.
The Mayor's 24-Hour Hotline will have
additional staff on-hand through the weekend and residents with
weather-related questions or concerns, including down power lines,
down trees or icy conditions, should call (617) 635-4500. The City's
Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a potential
medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 9-1-1. The City's
shelters have activated emergency procedures today.
Boston EMS reminds residents that shoveling snow, particularly when
it is heavy and wet, can pose a serious health safety risk to
persons with heart disease and senior citizens. Residents should
consider seeking the assistance of a family member, a helpful
neighbor or hire someone to help. Additional cold weather safety
tips can be found here: http://www.cityofboston.gov/cold/safety.asp.
Mayor Menino reminds residents of the following:
Use public transportation when
possible and avoid driving vehicles on slippery roads to keep
roadways clear for plowing equipment and emergency vehicles.
Property owners are reminded to salt
and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery
surfaces.
Residents are encouraged to shovel out
hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist
our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.
Please check on elderly or vulnerable
neighbors who may need help.
Use caution when walking near
buildings that may have falling snow or ice.
Parking rules are strictly enforced
during snow storms. Do not block driveways, crosswalks or ramps, and
do not park within 20 feet of an intersection
Boston Public Works crews are prepared
for the snow event, and will be pre-treating roads and readying snow
removal equipment across the city’s district yards.
Residents with weather-related questions or concerns should call the
Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at (617) 635-4500.
Residents are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program for
access to other important storm-related information.
To receive notifications, register for
the city’s Alert Boston
network If you would like to receive updates on the storm
on Twitter you can follow us: @NotifyBoston.
