Mayor Wu to Lift Snow Emergency and Parking Ban Monday, January 31, at 6 a.m.

Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the snow emergency and parking ban currently in effect will be lifted Monday, January 31, at 6 a.m. Residents parked in participating discounted lots and garages must remove their cars by 8 a.m. to avoid being charged regular rates. The use of space savers is permitted for 48 hours after the end of the emergency. Space savers are prohibited at all times in the South End.  Space savers that violate these rules may be collected and discarded by the Public Works Department (PWD). The Public Works Department had over 920 pieces of snow and ice control equipment treating and clearing Boston's streets throughout the storm. Public Works crews will begin targeted snow removal operations beginning on Sunday, January 30. Property owners are reminded that sidewalks were required to have been shoveled by 10:00 a.m. this morning, and must be kept clear of snow and ice after the storm. A 42” wide path of travel is required to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.

“This was a historic storm and we truly saw so much collaboration from our city workers and the community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m so grateful for the incredible teamwork to have the roads mostly cleared already. I’m so thankful to everyone who took the time to check on their neighbors and stayed off the streets.”

Boston City Hall, 1010 Massachusetts Ave., BCYF community centers, Boston Public Library branches, and Boston Public Schools will be open tomorrow, Monday, January 31.

As a reminder, trash and recycling pick-up will continue on a regular schedule. Residents are encouraged to download the Trash Day App. Street sweeping is cancelled until further notice. 

Residents are able to look up towed cars on the City of Boston's online database, or by calling Boston Police Department at 617-343-4629 to find out which tow company was used if the car was not towed by BTD. If your car was towed by BTD, there is also a 24 hour kiosk you can use 7 days a week when regular operations commence, you can call BTD at 617-635-3939. or find more information online.

Snowfall began around 10 p.m. on Friday night and continued until around 9 p.m. on Saturday night. At times, snow was coming down at more than three inches per hour. The storm was officially designated a blizzard by the National Weather Service. By their measurements, the City of Boston received a total of 23.8 inches. Temperatures will remain cold throughout Sunday and into Monday morning, with wind chills in the single digits and below zero overnight. 

Residents are reminded to call 911 to assist individuals experiencing homelessness or vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the weather. For non-emergencies, residents can call 311.

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. If the storm lasts for an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check and clear ramps abutting their property. 
• Removal of snow and ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited. 
• Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found online.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston. Please follow @CityofBoston and visit boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.

Safety tips:

• Keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. We have a map of catch basins and fire hydrants online. You can assist in keeping hydrants clear of snow so the Boston Fire Department can access them quickly in case of emergency.

• Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to signs of overexertion. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly.

• Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for pedestrians and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility.

• Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the 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 (e.g. gas exhaust for heating systems or dryers) and vehicle exhaust pipes of snow.

• 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. 

Dress for the weather:

• Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, residents are required to wear face coverings in indoor public places.

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.

• Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

• Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well.

• Always wear a hat, and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.  

• Dress children warmly, and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play.

• Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watch for signs of frostbite:

• Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

Watch for signs of hypothermia:

• These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare provider immediately. If symptoms are severe, call 911.

Heating safety:

• Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, the kitchen stove, or other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide very quickly. 

• Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually.

• Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color, and it is poisonous and potentially deadly.
• Don't place electric space heaters near curtains or other flammable materials. Turn them off before you go to bed.

For more information, please visit the Winter in Boston guide and follow @CityofBoston on Twitter.