Boston Public Schools Closed on Wednesday with Snowstorm in the Forecast

Boston, Feb. 4, 2014, — Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced City response plans for the winter storm expected to begin early tomorrow morning. The Mayor has declared a Snow Emergency and Parking Ban for the City of Boston, in effect tonight, Tuesday, February 4, at 11:00 p.m. Boston Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5. City Hall will be open for business as usual.

“Our team is ready for this storm,” Mayor Walsh said. “We’re expecting a very difficult morning commute, and for that reason we’re urging everyone to use public transportation to travel in and around the city tomorrow.”

Driving conditions expected to be very poor on highways on Wednesday (photo by David Li on Jan. 2, 2014)

National Weather Service has declared a Winter Weather Warning in effect for the City of Boston from midnight through 6:00 p.m. Wednesday. Latest forecasts indicate the storm is expected to result in 6 to 10 inches of snow in Boston, with heaviest snow fall beginning at 6 a.m, at a rate of an inch an hour. Another significant storm is expected for this weekend, and dropping temperatures are forecast, emphasizing the importance for Public Works crews to get as close to the curb as possible in their snow clearing during tomorrow’s storm. All Boston Centers for Youth & Families centers will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow. Children ages 7 and older are welcome, and any child under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at drop-off to fill out a short intake form. 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 9:00 p.m. tonight: http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parkingmap.asp. Public Works

• Public Works teams will begin pre-treating roads at 4:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
• Crews are prepared for the snow event, and will have more than 500 pieces of equipment active on City streets by 6 a.m.
• Regularly scheduled trash and recycling collection will begin one hour early, at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Transportation

• 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.

Public Safety

• Boston Police, Boston Fire, and Boston EMS will have additional staff on hand throughout the duration of storm.
• Boston Police will be posted at major intersections during tomorrow’s morning and evening commute 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.