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Mayor Walsh announces preparations, snow emergency, school closures for winter storm

Urges residents to take caution, abide by snow emergency regulations

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced preparations for tonight's snowstorm, which is expected to bring 12-18 inches of snow, along with strong winds of 15-30 MPH and gusts between 40-50 MPH.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 11 p.m. tonight through 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Public Works crews will begin pre-treating the roads this evening, and will have 700 pieces of equipment on hand over the course of the storm to clear roadways once snowfall begins. Boston's Emergency Operations Center will be monitoring the storm.

"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 tomorrow," said Mayor Walsh. "I encourage Boston's employers to take the weather into consideration tomorrow. 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."

Closures:

  • Boston Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, March 13.

  • All Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers will be closed.

  • Boston Public Libraries will be closed.

  • For City of Boston employees, only public safety, emergency management and snow operations personnel are required to report to work tomorrow.

Parking:

  • The City of Boston is putting a Snow Emergency and Parking Ban into effect on main roads beginning at 7:00 p.m. this evening, and towing will begin at 10:00 p.m.

  • Discounted parking will be available in designated garages beginning today at 5:00 p.m. Locations and pricing information can be found at: Boston.gov/snow.

  • Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads, and take public transportation if needed.

Preparations:

  • The Public Works Department (PWD) will begin pre-treating roadways overnight.

  • PWD will have over 700 pieces of equipment treating roads and plowing snow during the height of the storm.

  • PWD will have over 26,000 tons of salt available.

  • Several city departments, including BPD, EMS and 311 will have extra support available to assist residents.

  • Tomorrow's scheduled trash and recycling collection is canceled in the following neighborhoods: Fenway, Lower Roxbury, Mission Hill and the South End. The next scheduled collection day for these neighborhoods will take place on Friday, March 16th, 2018. Charlestown regular schedule will take place on Wednesday March 14th, 2018. Regular collection schedule for Beacon Hill, North End, Chinatown, Bay Village, Downtown, North End, Back Bay and sections of Roxbury that have trash/recycling collections 2 times per week (Mon/Thur).All other sections of the City will be delayed a day. For the full schedule and to download the Trash Day app: available online.

  • Street-sweeping is canceled both Monday night through Tuesday.

Rules on Clearing Snow:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Do not throw snow onto the street. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found here.

Safety Tips:

  • Remember to keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear.  For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit http://www.bwsc.org

  • 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.

  • Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers, please take extra care when turning corners with snowpiles that might limit visibility.

  • Pedestrians should use caution as visibility will be diminished due to blowing and drifting of the snow caused by high winds.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Please check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with disabilities.

  • 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:

  • If you see homeless individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need.

  • 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.

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