Boston Weathers Blizzard of 2013, Cleanup Continues

Boston, Feb. 11, 2013 — Mayor Thomas M. Menino this afternoon was briefed by his snow team on continued clean-up efforts in the City of Boston. Boston Public Schools will be closed tomorrow and all Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for parents to bring their children. The Parking Ban and Snow Emergency remain in effect.
2013_DPWl_CharlesSt
Boston DPW is working on Charles Street.

“The safety of our students comes first, and schools will remain closed as our snow removal crews work through the night and tomorrow to clear side streets and widen bus routes,” Mayor Menino said. “While the Snow Emergency and Parking Ban remain in effect, I’m continuing to urge drivers to stay off the roads. Anyone traveling into Boston tomorrow should use public transportation.”




All BCYF community centers will open tomorrow to offer a warm and safe place for youth age six and older while their parents work, with the exception of the BCYF Archdale Community Center and the BCYF Flaherty Pool, currently under construction. All youth are welcome but children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at drop-off for the completion of a short intake form. A full list of locations is available at www.cityofboston.gov/BCYF/facilities/. BCYF’s two outdoor pools, BCYF Clougherty Pool and BCYF Mirabella Pool, will also remain closed.

Boston Public Schools’ Family Resource Center, Newcomers Assessment Center, Campbell Resource Center and BPS administrative offices at 26 Court St. will be open tomorrow.

Clean-up efforts will continue through the night and into tomorrow. Snow Removal Strike Force teams, comprised of members of the Boston Public Works Department, Boston Transportation Department, Boston Police Department, and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, were deployed throughout the City today to remove piles of snow from roadways and intersections. That work will also continue through the evening.

City of Boston’s Blizzard of 2013 Update on Feb. 9, 2013

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.

Some quick updates:
· 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.

Boston Weather Update

Mayor Thomas M. Menino wishes to remind residents to exercise safety precautions during the recovery phase of this storm.




Public safety is the city’s number one priority. Unfortunately, today there was a tragedy involving the loss of a young boy’s life as he was overcome by carbon monoxide. This is a terrible reminder of the need to clear vehicle tailpipes of snow before starting them and of keeping exterior home vents clear of snow.

“The news of this tragic accident is a sad reminder that the danger of this storm is not over,” Mayor Menino said. “Please take care and use caution when cleaning up and getting back out on the streets. Our hearts go out to that family and their friends who are learning of this tremendously sad accident.”

Mayor Menino reminds residents of the following:

  • Carbon Monoxide is a serious concern during and after a storm

o   When clearing motor vehicles, remove snow around the muffler/exhaust system before starting the car.

o   Be sure to remove snow surrounding any external vents to your home.

o   DO NOT use generators indoors, in garages, or in any other location where the exhaust gases may enter your home.

o   Do not use your oven as a heat source

  • Use flashlights instead of candles. If you do use candles, make sure they are used safety and kept away from anything flammable.
  • The City’s Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 911.
  • 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

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.

 

The Commonwealth’s travel restriction is set to end at 4 p.m., but a City of Boston Snow Emergency and Parking Ban remain in effect.

To clarify: Public Works crews and contractors are out in full force and will be out tonight and through the overnight to work on clearing side streets.

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.

  • 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.

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

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.