Snow Emergency and Parking Ban in Effect on Boston’s First Work Day of 2014

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared a Snow Emergency and parking ban for the City of Boston will take effect TOMORROW, Thursday, January 2 at NOON. Boston Public Schools will be CLOSED FRIDAY, January 3. City business will be as usual tomorrow. Discounted parking will be available at 10 a.m. at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers: http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parkingmap.asp
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Visibility was very poor on I-495 in the afternoon of Jan. 2, 2014 (photo by David Li).




The latest forecasts indicate the storm is expected to result in up to 14 inches of snow in parts of the City, with heaviest snow fall beginning Thursday evening and continuing throughout the night. Blizzard-like conditions are expected Friday morning.

“What a New Year’s gift, to receive one last snowstorm as Mayor,” Mayor Menino said. “With more than a foot of snow expected in parts of the City, we are taking the necessary precautions to make sure the City is cleaned up as quickly as possible. I’m asking the public to stay off the roads throughout the duration of the storm and allow our crews to work.”

Members of the Mayor’s Snow Team met this afternoon to discuss the latest storm related information and response plans for the weekend. The Snow Team will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates throughout the weather event.

 

Public Works

  • District Yards will open at 3 a.m. Thursday morning to begin pre-treating roads.
  • Crews are prepared for the snow event, and will have more than 500 pieces of equipment active on City streets Thursday evening.
  • Regularly scheduled trash collection will begin at 6 a.m. Thursday morning.

Transportation

  • The City is strongly encouraging commuters to use public transportation to travel into the City 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.
  • During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers. Discounted rates take effect two hours prior to the snow emergency, and the City is asking garages to allow residents earlier access.

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.
  • Use public transportation whenever 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.
  • 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. 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.


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/. If you would like to receive updates on the storm on Twitter, follow #bosnow, @NotifyBoston.




Malden Declares Snow Emergency

As of tomorrow Thursday, January 2nd at 12:00 Noon, the City of Malden will be declaring a snow emergency. After the snow emergency goes into effect at 12:00 Noon tomorrow, winter parking rules will be strictly enforced until the snow emergency is lifted. To avoid getting a ticket or being towed on streets with restrictions, you must seek off-street parking until the snow emergency has been lifted.

To help our residents, the City will open up 7 locations for free parking beginning at 12:00 Noon tomorrow, Thursday January 2nd until the snow emergency is lifted. These locations are the Early Learning Center, Beebe, Forestdale, Ferryway, Linden and Salemwood Schools and downtown at the CBD Garage located at 170 Center Street. Again, vehicles can park at these locations free of charge but must be removed when the snow emergency is lifted or vehicles will be towed from these lots.

MALDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
Canceled both Thursday 1/2 and Friday 1/3.

CITY BUILDINGS:
Teen Center – Closed Thursday and Friday
Senior Center- Closed as of 4pm Thursday and Friday all day
City Hall- Closed as of 4pm Thursday and Friday all day
Library- Closed as of 4pm Thursday and Friday all day

CITY SERVICES:
Thursday trash/recycling collection will be taking place but don’t forget, this is actually Wednesday’s collection with the New Year’s Day holiday. Stay tuned www.cityofmalden.org for more information about Friday’s collection.