Boston, Jan. 21, 2013, –Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced City response plans for the impending winter storm expected to bring 8 to 10 inches of snow to Boston this evening and tomorrow. The Mayor declared a Snow Emergency and Parking Ban for the City of Boston, in effect tonight, Tuesday, January 21, at 6:00 p.m. Boston Public Schools have canceled afternoon activities today, Tuesday, January 21, and schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22.
The picture above is a screen shot of the Boston City’s website on Jan. 21, 2014.
“Our team is ready for tonight’s storm and we have a good plan in place,” Mayor Walsh said. “Today I’m asking for the public’s help: please stay off the roads while our public works crews clear our streets, use public transportation whenever possible tonight and tomorrow, and look out for one another as temperatures drop this week.”
National Weather Service has declared a Winter Weather Warning in effect for the City of Boston from 1:00 p.m. Tuesday through 1:00 p.m. Wednesday. Latest forecasts indicate the storm is expected to result in 8 to 10 inches of snow in Boston, with heaviest snow fall beginning this evening and continuing through tomorrow morning’s commute. A deep freeze is expected this week, emphasizing the importance of Public Works crews to get as close to the curb as possible in their snow clearing overnight and into tomorrow.
The Mayor convened his team this afternoon to discuss the latest storm related information and response plans for the weekend. His team will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates throughout the weather event.
During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers.Discounted parking is available starting at 4:00 p.m. today: http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parkingmap.asp.
Public Works
- Public Works teams began pre-treating roads at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon.
- Crews are prepared for the snow event, and will have more than 400 pieces of equipment active on City streets by the evening commute, and more than 500 pieces of equipment active later tonight.
- Regularly scheduled trash collection will begin at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Transportation
- The City is strongly encouraging commuters to use public transportation to travel into the City tonight and tomorrow.
- 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, parking within 20 feet of an intersection or further than one foot from the curb is prohibited, as this impedes access for both emergency vehicles and snow plows.
Boston Centers for Youth and Families will open four community centers regionally from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for children ages 7 and older. Adults will be asked to complete a short intake form when dropping children off.
- BCYF Curtis Hall Community Center, 20 South Street, Jamaica Plain
- BCYF Hyde Park Community Center, 1179 River Street, Hyde Park
- BCYF Paris Street Community Center, 112 Paris Street, East Boston
- BCYF Tobin Community Center, 1481 Tremont Street, Mission Hill
Public Safety
- Boston Police, Boston Fire, and Boston EMS will have additional staff on hand throughout the storm.
- Boston Police will be posted at major intersections tonight and tomorrow morning to assist with traffic flow.
- The City’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated and staffed with all relevant City departments.
Cold Weather Safety Reminders
- Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that results from combustion and can quickly become fatal. Residents should clear snow and debris away from mufflers before starting the car and ensure that external vents are cleared of snow. If you are using a generator, make sure it is far enough away to vent air and gases away from the home. A safety video about carbon monoxide poisoning prevention is available here.
- To protect against forecasted cold temperatures, people should layer clothing and minimize outdoor activity. Over a dozen people in Boston suffered injuries related to hypothermia during the last extreme cold weather snap.
- The City’s homeless shelters have activated emergency procedures. The City’s Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 9-1-1.
- Property owners are required 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.
- Shoveling snow 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 at: http://www.cityofboston.gov/cold/safety.asp.
The Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline will have additional staff on-hand and residents with weather-related questions or concerns, including down power lines, down trees or icy conditions, should call (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 at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/. For updates & questions via Twitter, use @NotifyBoston, follow #bosnow.