BOSTON – Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced continued preparations for the ongoing winter storm, which is expected to bring a total of 12-18 inches of snow by midnight, with 9 inches already fallen.
Mayor Walsh holds news conference at City Hall this afternoon (photo credit: @MikeRNBCBoston on Twitter).
Over the course of the day, Public Works crews have deployed 800 pieces of equipment to clear roadways. As of 3 p.m. this afternoon, 311, the city’s non-emergency request line has received 1,089 calls, with a 98 percent service level achieved and over 30 agents taking calls.
“We are encouraging residents to stay off the roads, to assist older residents and those with disabilities, and to keep up with the shoveling of their property throughout the storm,” said Mayor Walsh. “The City offers a number of resources geared towards keeping residents safe and aware of current conditions. I ask each and every single Boston resident to remain vigilant, stay safe and look after their neighbors.”
Closure Updates:
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Boston Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, March 14.
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All Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers will be open tomorrow from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Boston Public Libraries will be open tomorrow.
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All other municipal services and departments will be open, and all employees aside from BPS staff are required to report to work.
Parking:
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A snow emergency and parking ban remain in effect on main roads, and ticketing and towing will continue for those parked in main arteries during a snow emergency.
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Discounted parking continues to be available in designated garages. Locations and pricing information can be found at: Boston.gov/snow.
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Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads, and take public transportation if needed. If you do have to be on the road, please be very attentive for pedestrians and other drivers.
Preparations:
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PWD crews have deployed 800 pieces of equipment to clear roadways.
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Several city departments, including BPD, EMS and 311 continue to have extra support available to assist residents.
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Tomorrow’s scheduled trash and recycling collection will begin at 6:00 a.m. Residents are encouraged to shovel out a space for barrels on the street side of the sidewalk. For the full schedule and to download the Trash Day app: available online.
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Street-sweeping is cancelled.
Rules on Clearing Snow:
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Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. As the storm will last over an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check ramps abutting their property for compliance. Failure to comply can result in a fine issued by PWD’s Code Enforcement Division.
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Removal of snow, ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited and can result in a fine issued by PWD’s Code Enforcement Division.
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Do not throw snow onto the street. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found here.
Safety Tips:
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Remember to keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit http://www.bwsc.org
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Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly when you stop exertion.
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Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers, please take extra care when turning corners with snowpiles that might limit visibility.
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Pedestrians should use caution as visibility will be diminished due to blowing and drifting of the snow caused by high winds.
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Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should be sure to use their home heating systems wisely and safety, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes of snow. For example, gas exhaust from heating system or dryer.
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Please check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with disabilities.
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Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders and be mindful of slippery surfaces.
Helping the Homeless:
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If you see homeless individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911.
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The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) coordinates a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to assist those in need of shelter.
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Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. Men can access shelters through 112 Southampton Street, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City are working closely with shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold.
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Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need.
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During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day. Find more information here.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and utilize the 311 call center for non-emergency related issues. Please follow @CityofBoston and visit boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.