City preparing for weekend winter storms

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced preparations for this weekend’s two winter storms. The first winter storm will begin tonight after midnight, with a heavy, wet snow falling at a rate of an inch an hour until late morning on Saturday. Accumulations of between 6 and 7 inches are possible. The second winter storm will begin Sunday evening, with snow starting between 8 and 9 p.m. The snow will continue into Monday morning, and Monday commutes are likely to be impacted.

Due to the travel conditions, Boston Public Schools is canceling all activities on Saturday. Officials will continue to monitor the forecast and notify students and families over the weekend if the weather will impact school being open on Monday. BPS is notifying families of the decision to cancel Saturday’s activities via automated phone call and other communications, including on bostonpublicschools.org.

In preparation of the winter weather, Boston Public Works will have 70 pieces of equipment pre-treating Boston roadways with salt. At the height of the storm, PWD will have 560 pieces of equipment working citywide. The Public Works Department currently has 28,000 tons of salt on hand.

When shoveling snow, residents are reminded not to throw snow onto the street, and to shovel out catch basins and fire hydrants. There is no parking ban or snow emergency in effect.

"We are encouraging residents to use caution when traveling, assist older neighbors and those who are disabled, and keep up with the shoveling of their property throughout the storm," said Mayor Walsh. "The City of Boston and our Public Works are prepared for all storms that come Boston’s way, and we ask that residents and businesses do their part, including shoveling their sidewalks and walkways, to ensure safety for all. Please remember to abide by the snow rules, stay off the roads and be safe.”

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and utilize Boston’s 311 call center for non-emergency related issues. To find out more information about resources and services available to residents, please visit boston.gov/snow

• Property owners must 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 it snows overnight. Failure to comply will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement.
• Removal of snow, ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited and will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement.
• Do not throw snow onto the street.
• Please look here for information about fines associated with improper removal of snow.
• As a reminder, no cars are allowed to park in Boston Public Schools parking lots during a snowstorm.

• Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to any health 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 snow piles 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.
• Remember to keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear.
• Please check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled.
• 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.

Boston Public Libraries and Boston Centers for Youth & Families’ community centers will be open normal business hours. Please check their schedules here.

• If you see homeless individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. Please ask them if they need assistance.
• The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates two emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St. and 794 Massachusetts Ave. open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• BPHC is working closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter, food, and a warm respite from the cold.
• Street outreach teams providing recovery services, including the Engagement Center behind 112 Southampton St., remain operating as normal during winter weather.
• More information available here.

Residents are encouraged to sign-up for AlertBoston to receive emergency alerts and to call 311, download the BOS:311 app, or tweet at @BOS311 with questions or concerns. Follow @CityofBoston and visit boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.