CITY OF BOSTON
Office of the Mayor
Martin J. Walsh
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 5, 2014
*City of Boston Storm Update*
Snow
Emergency and Parking Ban to Be Lifted at 5:00PM Tonight
Mayor Martin J. Walsh today
announced the snow emergency and parking ban for the city of Boston will be
lifted at 5:00 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, February 5. Mayor Walsh continues to
monitor the City’s response efforts and will receive updates from his team throughout
the evening.
“It
was important that parking
be available on our main arteries tonight for our businesses and
restaurants,” Mayor Walsh said. “Our crews are still out there working
hard, widening the streets and targeting intersections. We’re focused on
getting the city cleaned up in advance of the expected cold temperatures and
any snow that comes our way this
weekend.”
Public Works crews are focusing
tonight on widening roadways, snow removal at major intersections, and have
dispatched smaller equipment to clear side and dead end streets. More
than 500 pieces of equipment remain
active on city roads. Enforcement officers will be monitoring "throw
backs" of snow into plowed streets, requiring additional plowing and
resulting in refreeze.
During declared snow emergencies,
discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars
that display Boston resident parking stickers. Drivers have two hours after a ban is lifted to maintain the reduced
rate. Discounted parking will be available until 7:00 p.m. tonight: http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parkingmap.asp.
Boston Centers for Youth & Families community centers had received more than 500 visits as of 3:00 p.m. this afternoon.
Mayor Walsh also reminds residents
of the following:
- Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that
results from combustion and can quickly become fatal. Residents should
clear snow and debris away from mufflers before starting the car and
ensure that external vents are cleared of snow. If you are using a
generator, make sure it is far enough away to vent air and gases away from
the home. A safety video about carbon monoxide poisoning prevention
is available here.
- The City's homeless shelters have activated emergency
procedures. The City's Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees
a potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 9-1-1.
- Property owners are required to salt and sand
sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
- Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and
catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety
agencies and protect against flooding.
- Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may
need help.
- Use caution when walking near buildings that may have
falling snow or ice.
- Shoveling snow can pose a serious health safety risk to
persons with heart disease and senior citizens. Residents should consider
seeking the assistance of a family member, a helpful neighbor or hire
someone to help.
The Mayor's 24-Hour Hotline has received
2,100 calls since midnight. Additional staff are on-hand and residents with
weather-related questions or concerns, including down power lines, down trees
or icy conditions, should call (617) 635-4500.
Residents are encouraged to use the
City’s “Know Snow” program for access to other important storm-related
information. To receive notifications, register for the City’s Alert Boston
network at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/. For updates
& questions via Twitter, use @NotifyBoston, follow #bosnow.
