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BOSTON - Monday,
December 13, 2021 - Mayor Michelle Wu today joined City officials at the
Public Works yard on Frontage Road to discuss winter preparations
currently underway in the City of Boston, and resources available to
residents, including older adults and individuals experiencing
homelessness.
“I am so grateful
to the team from many departments and several different cabinets that
come together to ensure that our streets will be safe and that our
residents will be warm, supported and connected to everything that they
need,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we continue to manage amidst a
global pandemic, winter will be the next phase of how we’re supporting
all of our residents.”
The Office of
Emergency Management (OEM) monitors forecasts and maintains open lines of
communication with the National Weather Service. OEM also works across
City departments and with external partners to ensure coordinated
response plans are in place. Residents can sign up to receive AlertBoston notifications by phone, text, or email in
the event a snow emergency/parking ban is declared.
The Public Works
Department (PWD) currently has 40,000 tons of salt on-hand to treat City
streets. Along with 164 pieces of in-house snow clearing equipment, the
PWD has the capability to place over 800 additional pieces on the roads
during larger storms. As part of their neighborhood plowing operations
during winter storms and to ensure the safety of riders following events,
PWD allocates pieces of equipment to clear snow from Boston's dedicated
bike lanes.
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 a storm will last over an extended period of time,
property owners are asked to continually check ramps abutting their
property for compliance.
·
Removal
of snow, ice from private property to the street or sidewalk is
prohibited.
·
Failure
to comply with the rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code
Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can
be found here.
Parking during a
declared snow emergency:
·
If
a snow emergency is declared, cars will be ticketed and towed if parked
on a posted snow emergency artery. Space savers must be removed within 48
hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. Please note: space savers
are NOT allowed in the South End.
·
During
declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at some
parking lots and garages for Boston residents. A list of discounted
parking garages can be found here.
Trash and
recycling:
·
During
severe snowstorms, recycling and trash collection may be canceled, but
this is extremely rare. Most often, severe snowstorms can cause delays in
service, so we ask for your cooperation and patience. To view your
neighborhood recycling and trash schedule, locate a textile dropbox in
your neighborhood, and to find out what items you CAN and CAN'T recycle,
download our free Trash Day App.
·
Crews
have a difficult time reaching trash barrels and recycling carts placed
behind snowbanks. Please clear an area at the curb for collection or
place containers next to or in front of snowbanks.
Caring for vulnerable
populations:
·
If
you see homeless and vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear
immobile, disoriented, or underdressed for the cold, please call 911.
·
The
Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) utilizes a city-wide network of
emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies, and first
responders to assist those in need of shelter.
·
Boston's
emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need.
Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women
should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and
the City work closely with shelter providers in the city to ensure that
no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from
the cold.
·
Monday
through Friday, 8am-9pm, please call 617-534-4440 to facilitate access to
shelters. Outside of these hours, guests should access shelter directly.
·
During
extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours
and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and
throughout the day.
Safety tips:
·
If
you are able, keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear of snow and
debris. This will help prevent flooding and allow for access in the event
of an emergency. For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit here.
·
Shoveling
snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention
to symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath,
lightheadedness, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not
resolve quickly.
·
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.
·
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 of snow like gas exhaust from the heating system or dryer.
·
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:
·
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 a 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 guidelines
for property owners and tenants:
·
In
accordance with the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season
officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property
owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68° between
7 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and 64° between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
·
In
cases of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of
licensed contractors (electrician, plumber and general contractor) on
file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should
check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report
insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager
immediately.
·
If
your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, contact the Inspectional
Services Department (ISD) at (617) 635-5300 to file a complaint, or call
311.
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.
·
Make
sure all vents are clear of snow or any other debris.
·
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. It is a poison and is deadly.
Tips to keep water
flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold:
·
The
Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate a home's
main water shut-off valve, and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe
burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and
property damage.
·
Homeowners
should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and
crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes
from freezing and to keep warm water flowing.
·
Circulate
warm air around pipes by keeping cabinet doors open. Circulate a trickle
of tap water through pipes during extreme cold to help prevent them from
freezing up.
·
Locate
your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors
and windows are shut tight.
·
If
pipes do freeze, slow thaw with a hairdryer. Never use an open flame to
thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call BWSC 24-hour Emergency
Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.
Emergency home
repair resources:
·
Income-eligible
homeowners and Boston's residents over age 60 can receive assistance with
winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking
roofs, furnaces, and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents
should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at
617-635-HOME (4663).
·
Never
use a torch to thaw a frozen pipe. Always call a professional plumber to
troubleshoot your problem.
·
A
grant is available for income-eligible homeowners over age 60 to ease
unexpected financial burdens caused by an emergency situation with their
home.
·
In
addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income-eligible
Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems
with a brand new heating system even before a catastrophic failure occurs
during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the
Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City
staffer to provide additional details.
Tips to increase
home energy efficiency:
·
Disconnect
the water hose from the home.
·
Wrap
or cover exposed spigots.
·
Caulk
or putty windows.
·
Ensure
kitchen and bathroom dampers close properly.
·
Close
all storm windows and doors.
·
Apply
weather stripping.
·
Properly
insulate all pipes that are exposed.
·
Install
insulated or heavy drapes to keep cold drafts from coming in.
·
Don't
forget to close the damper to the wood-burning fireplace after each use.
Consider a chimney balloon if you don't have a damper.
·
For
more energy efficiency tips for your home, call Renew Boston at
617-635-SAVE (7283).
Tips for what to
do before a power outage:
·
Before
a weather event, prepare your home by:
·
Ensuring
that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh
batteries.
·
Consider
purchasing a generator to provide power during an outage. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions and learn how to use it safely before an
outage.
·
Ensuring
that you have sufficient heating fuel. Consider safe backup heating
options such as fireplaces or woodstoves.
·
Have
a landline phone with a corded receiver.
·
Fully
charge your cell phone, laptop, and other electronic devices.
·
If
you have a water supply (such as a well-water pump system) that could be
affected by a power outage, fill your bathtub and spare containers with
water. The water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes
only. You can pour a bucket of this water directly into the toilet bowl
to flush it.
·
Keep
your car’s gas tank full. Pumps at gas stations may not work during a
power outage.
·
Set
your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings to keep food cold
(but remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored).
·
If
you have life-support devices, such as home dialysis or breathing
machines, or other medical equipment or supplies, that depend on
electricity:
·
Talk
to your health care provider about how to use them during a power outage;
·
Contact
your local electric company and equipment suppliers about your power
needs. Some utility companies will put you on a "priority
reconnection service" list;
·
Let
the fire department know that you are dependent on life-support devices;
and
·
If
you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your
pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
Tips for what to
do during a Power Outage:
·
Continue
to monitor the media for emergency information.
·
Follow
instructions from public safety officials.
·
Call
9-1-1 to report emergencies including:
·
Downed
power lines; or
·
If
you are dependent on equipment that requires electricity and needs
medical assistance.
·
Call
your utility company to report power outages and get restoration
information.
·
National Grid 800-322-3223
·
Eversource (formerly NSTAR)
1-800-592-2000
·
Stay
away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is
live.
·
If
a traffic light is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
·
Keep
a fire extinguisher handy.
·
Use
generators and grills outside because their fumes contain carbon
monoxide. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working as it is a
silent, odorless, killer. See more Generator Safety Tips.
·
If
possible, use flashlights instead of candles. If you must use candles,
place them in safe holders away from anything that could catch fire.
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Never go to sleep with candles
burning.
·
During
hot weather, use ice to help keep food cold. During cold weather, keep
food cold outside in a secure location safe from animals.
·
If
phone lines are down, use social media or texting to let others know you
are okay.
·
Unplug
sensitive electronics to avoid power surges when power is restored.
·
Keep
refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator will keep
food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature
for about 48 hours.
·
Be
a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the
elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those
who may need additional assistance.
Tips for Driving
in a winter storm:
·
Avoid
driving during the worst part of the storm. If possible, only travel
during daylight hours, don't travel alone, and stay on main roads instead
of taking shortcuts.
·
Consider
taking public transportation.
·
Clear
snow and ice from windows, lights, hood, and the roof before driving.
·
Leave
plenty of room for stopping.
·
Don't
try to out drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for
dry pavement.
·
Know
the current road conditions. Call 511 from your cell phone or the
following from either your cell phone or landline phone.
·
Metro
Boston: (617) 986-5511
·
Brake
early and correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse
conditions.
·
Be
wary of bridge decks. They freeze first, making them more dangerous than
the approach road.
·
Exit
ramps sometimes have less anti-icing material than the mainline. Be aware
of this when exiting the highway.
·
Don't
use "cruise control" driving in wintry conditions. Even roads
that look clear can have sudden slippery spots. Using your brake on these
spots will deactivate cruise control, possibly causing you to lose control
of your vehicle.
·
Many
4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles. This means it takes
longer to stop than passenger vehicles. Be wary of your 4x4 vehicle's
traction.
·
Look
further ahead in traffic than normal.
·
Trucks
are heavier than cars, making their brake time slower. Avoid cutting
quickly in front of them.
·
Don't
crowd the plow. Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows. Stay back
at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right.
·
Always
wear your seat belt.
·
Let
others know your destination, route, and expected travel times.
·
Allow
for extra travel time.
·
Drive
with your headlights on at all times to see and be seen.
For more
information, please visit the Winter in Boston guide and follow @CityofBoston on Twitter.
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