Boston declares Snow Emergency

BOSTON -- The following is a press release from the city of Boston, announcing that a snow emergency will go into effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday:

“Mayor Thomas M. Menino has declared a Snow Emergency for the City of Boston that will go into effect at 8 a.m. tomorrow in anticipation of the forecasted snow storm expected to begin tomorrow morning and continue into the late evening. Additionally, an announcement regarding possible Boston Public School closings will be made later tonight and parents should consider plans ahead of time.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a potential of upwards of 10 inches of snow in Boston starting at 10 a.m. Mayor Menino urges everyone to use public transportation when traveling, as a citywide parking ban will be in effect through the duration of the Snow Emergency.

In preparation for the storm, the City has over 600 pieces of snow removal equipment at the ready and nearly 25,000 tons of salt at depots across the city. The City’s emergency homeless shelters will be open throughout the day and evening to insure everyone has a place to stay during the storm.

Mayor Menino reminds residents of the following:

-- 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, do not park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than one foot from the cur, as this impedes access for both emergency vehicles and snow plows. On non-emergency streets – streets other than major arteries – there will be odd side parking.

-- Parking space savers must be removed no more than 48 hours after a snow emergency is lifted. The City’s Department of Public Works will remove space savers left out beyond this period.

-- Do not throw snow back into the street. “Throwbacks” force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.

-- Shovel out fire hydrants close to your home.

-- Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that about their homes and businesses and any handicapped ramps close to your homes or business.

-- Do not double-park.

-- Please check on elderly neighbors and others in need.

During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers. Residents are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program to be notified when a snow emergency is declared and canceled as well for access to other important storm-related information. To learn more about “Know Snow,” visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/.

Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at (617) 635-4500 which will have extra staff on hand to field any possible increase in calls due to the storm. In the event that school is canceled, community centers will open at 7:30 a.m. to accommodate any kids that need a place to stay.”

(Copyright (c) 2010 City of Boston. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)