City of Boston Blizzard Update

CITY OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Office of the Mayor

Thomas M. Menino

For Immediate Release:                                                        For More Information Contact:

Saturday, February 9, 2013                                                    Press Office, 617-635-4461

City of Boston Blizzard Update

Mayor Menino Thanks Residents for Heeding the Word to Stay Home During the Blizzard of 2013, Reminds Everyone that Much Work Remains

Mayor Thomas M. Menino met twice this morning with his Snow Team to assess the continuing winter storm and blizzard and is pleased with the efforts of city departments and residents who stayed home, stayed off the streets, and stayed safe during this historic snowstorm.

“We’re halfway there,” Mayor Menino said. “Our crews have been out there, non-stop, and our residents have listened to the early warnings to stay home and stay off the roads. We’re not out of the woods yet. Right now, it’s critical that residents continue to work with us and let the crews have full access to the streets.”

A Snow Emergency and Parking Ban remain in effect. Public Works crews are out in full force, but it will take significant time, even after the snow stops this afternoon, to clear every roadway. It is vital that residents continue to stay off the roads and let the process run its course.

·         A Snow Emergency and Parking Ban Remain in Effect

·         All City buildings are closed Saturday

·         Boston Public Works has nearly 600 pieces of equipment on city streets

·         1,350 tons of salt had been spread as of 7 a.m. Saturday, with much more salt being dumped as plowing progresses and the snowfall slows

·         Boston Police, Fire, and EMS continue to have additional staff and vehicles on duty

·         As of 7:45 a.m., NStar reported that 9 customers are without power citywide

·         As of 9 a.m., there were no roads blocked due to downed trees

The Mayor’s Hotline is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500. The hotline has staff on hand to field any possible increase in calls due to the storm.

Snow Emergency

While a snow emergency is in effect, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. Mayor Menino urges everyone to use public transportation when traveling. Residents are reminded to remain at home throughout the duration of this snow event and businesses tomorrow should consider asking employees to work from home.

Mayor Menino also reminds residents of the following:

·         Older residents or those with health conditions should refrain from shoveling this heavy wet snow.

·         During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. These streets are posted with “Tow Zone - No Parking During Snow Emergency” signs.

·         A listing of major arteries and alternate parking can be found at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking/.

·         On streets other than major arteries, do not park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than one foot from the curb, as this impedes access for both emergency vehicles and snow plows.

·         Parking space savers must be removed no more than 48 hours after a snow emergency is lifted. The City’s Department of Public Works will remove space savers left out beyond this period.

·         Do not throw snow back into the street. “Throwbacks” force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.

·         Shovel out fire hydrants, catch basins and pedestrian ramps close to your home.

·         Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut their homes and businesses and any handicapped ramps close to your homes or business.

·         Please check on elderly neighbors and others in need.

·         For additional snow and cold weather safety tips, please visit www.cityofboston.gov/snow

During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers.  Residents are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program for access to other important storm-related information. For more information, visit http://cityofboston.gov/snow

The City's Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 911.

To receive notifications about emergencies from the City, register for the Alert Boston network at http://www.cityofboston.gov/alertboston/.  You can also follow @NotifyBoston on Twitter.

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