Snow Ban Lifted at 5pm

CITY OF BOSTON

Office of the Mayor

Martin J. Walsh

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 5, 2014

For More Information: Press Office, 617-635-4461

*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.