At MMA, Governor Healey Announces Major Infusion of Support for Municipal Transportation Projects, Local Aid

 At MMA, Governor Healey Announces Major Infusion of Support for Municipal Transportation Projects, Local Aid 

Governor files four-year $1.2 billion Chapter 90 bill that preserves 50 percent increase, will propose 4.4% increase to local aid 

Thanks to Governor Healey’s $8 billion transportation plan, MassDOT launches first-of-its-kind program for municipal bridge repair 

BOSTON – At the Massachusetts Municipal Association Connect 351 Annual Conference, Governor Maura Healey announced a major infusion of state support for municipal transportation projects and local aid. 

Today, Governor Healey filed her Chapter 90 bill that proposes a four-year, $1.2 billion Chapter 90 authorization that would provide elevated funding of $300 million per year for critical transportation and infrastructure projects in every city and town. This proposal preserves the 50 percent increase in Chapter 90 funding that the Governor established last year.  

Governor Healey also announced that she is launching a new program to fund local, municipal transportation projects across the state. Supported by leveraging Fair Share revenue to expand borrowing capacity, the Funding for Accelerated Infrastructure Repair (FAIR) program will help municipalities work through their backlog of municipal bridges in need of repair. This investment is made possible by the expansion of the Commonwealth Transportation Fund through Governor’s Healey’s $8 billion transportation plan. 

Additionally, Governor Healey announced that her FY27 budget will propose a 4.4 percent increase in local aid, totaling more than $10.3 billion, including increases in Chapter 70 payments, veterans’ benefits, and unrestricted aid.  

“We know that cities and towns are struggling with their budgets due to high costs and disruption from the Trump Administration,” said Governor Healey. “That’s why we’re continuing to deliver record levels of local aid, so that our municipal leaders can upgrade their roads and bridges, make sure every child is getting a high-quality education, support our veterans and deliver other critical services that people rely on. We have launched a new program to speed up repairs on municipal bridges so that construction gets done faster and cheaper, and traffic can get moving again.” 

“As a former Mayor, I know how much our communities rely on state funding. That’s why we have prioritized delivering significant investments to municipalities for schools, roads and bridges, infrastructure projects and economic development,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Governor Healey and I believe deeply that a strong local-state partnership is key to a strong Massachusetts. We will continue to work closely with our local leaders to help them deliver for their communities.” 

FAIR 

The FAIR investment will be used to reopen closed bridges, remove postings on restricted bridges, and preserve additional bridges from falling into either category. MassDOT is currently advancing and evaluating projects in Frankin, Hampden, Berkshire and Hampshire counties in Western Massachusetts, with additional locations across the state to follow. For example, in Hawley, MassDOT is working to make essential steel and concrete repairs to the bridge that crosses over the Chickley River to strengthen it and ensure that it remains safe and reliable for travelers.   

While federal law requires MassDOT to inspect all bridges statewide, maintenance and replacement costs of municipal-owned bridges falls to cities and towns, which face escalating costs and limited revenue. This program addresses these constraints by reducing administrative burdens and providing a dedicated source of funding for these projects.   

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration has continued to identify ways to respond to and assess the needs of our cities and towns as we work to repair bridges and key infrastructure projects especially in western Massachusetts. This program fills that critical gap. It allows us to move quickly, reopen closed structures, and prevent further deterioration before it becomes more costly to repair and disruptive to the community,” said the Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “As we begin these construction activities, we look forward to working with our municipal partners and stakeholders to provide much-needed support.” 

“The Commonwealth’s transportation network is the fundamental link connecting us to work, school, family, and friends, and thanks to the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, this infusion of funding will target infrastructure with the greatest need,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.  “Closed or restricted bridges impact public safety as much as mobility, and through the FAIR Program’s equitable approach, we’re focusing on bridges in municipalities that otherwise might face immense challenges to getting these bridges back open and safe for use.” 

Chapter 90 

This year, the administration is proposing a four-year, $1.2 billion Chapter 90 authorization that would provide elevated funding of $300 million per year. The four-year authorization will provide certainty to cities and towns, reduce delays related to funding, and support long-term capital planning and strategic investment in municipal transportation infrastructure over a four-year period. 

With the Legislature’s support, the Healey-Driscoll Administration in FY26 added $100 million of annual funding for Chapter 90 to the traditional $200 million program. The new money was allocated on the basis of lane miles, with increased resources available to every city and town in the state, especially rural and small communities. This new bill mirrors that approach over the next four years. 

The bill also authorizes: 

· $200 million for transportation improvements that directly support new housing development. 

· $200 million for a new Parkway Resilience Improvement and Safety Modernization (PRISM) investment program to repair, improve safety, and enhance resilience of transportation infrastructure under the care and control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, including but not limited to roads, parkways, bridges, culverts, and multi-use paths. 

· $500 million to supplement capital funding for MassDOT’s Bridge and Pavement Lifecycle Asset Management Programs (LAMP) to improve bridges and pavement statewide on an accelerated schedule, including programs that assist rural communities with deferred maintenance. 

· $200 million for the MBTA’s Rail Reliability Program or vehicle renewal, including new cleaner, quieter locomotives for commuter rail. 

Additionally, the bill proposes $3.2 billion for popular and well-used authorizations that were originally included in the 2022 transportation bond bill to advance projects on federally-aided and non-federal aid eligible highways and to support the Municipal Pavement program and Shared Streets and Spaces municipal grants. 

Local Aid 

Governor Healey’s FY27 budget proposal will provide for a 2.5 percent increase in Unrestricted General Government Aid, in line with projected non-surtax revenue growth. The budget also fully funds the sixth and final year of the Student Opportunity Act with $7.6 billion in Chapter 70 aid, a $242 million increase over FY26 that guarantees a minimum per-pupil aid of $75 for all districts. 

Since taking office, Gov. Healey has increased UGGA by 10 percent, or $125 million, and Chapter 70 aid has grown by 27 percent, or $1.6 billion. 

In total, Governor Healey will propose to dedicate $10.4 billion in local aid for cities and towns in FY27, representing a $438.5 million (4.4 percent) increase over the FY26 GAA.   

Furthermore, the Governor’s FY27 budget proposal will expand the state's commitment to school transportation by investing an additional $154.3 million to reimburse school districts for a significant share of transportation costs across key programs, including regional school transportation and transportation for homeless and out-of-district students. 

Recognizing the pressures being experienced by our rural communities, Governor Healey will recommend $20 million for Rural School Aid, an $8 million increase (67 percent) over the FY26 GAA. This program provides rural districts with targeted support to address the fixed costs of operating a school district and to advance strategies that improve long-term operational efficiency. 

Governor Healey will also propose fully funding the Special Education Circuit Breaker at $802.7 million This funding level reflects the full phase-in of out-of-district transportation cost reimbursement for special education students provided for in the Student Opportunity Act. 

COALITION OF MAYORS ACROSS U.S. FILE AMICUS BRIEF CHALLENGING ICE SURGE IN TWIN CITIES

COALITION OF MAYORS ACROSS U.S. FILE AMICUS BRIEF CHALLENGING ICE SURGE IN TWIN CITIES

Led by the City of Boston and the Public Rights Project, 44 mayors, cities, and counties argue that the deadly surge of federal agents into Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota is an unlawful and unconstitutional effort to punish these communities, endangering Americans

BOSTON - Friday, January 23, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu co-led a coalition of mayors from across the United States to file an amicus brief in federal district court in Minneapolis to stop the Trump Administration's unconstitutional and illegal surge of federal agents into Minneapolis and St. Paul (the Twin Cities). The brief, which supports a lawsuit filed by the State of Minnesota and the Twin Cities, seeks a temporary restraining order to end the occupation by more than two thousand federal agents. ICE’s aggressive enforcement tactics have created mass unrest in the community, undermined public safety, injured several Minnesotans, including children, and led to the death of civilian Renee Nicole Good.

“The Trump Administration’s ongoing occupations of peaceful American cities are unconstitutional and illegal,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These politically-motivated invasions of cities, whether by ICE agents or the National Guard, endanger our residents and violate federal law. We are urging the courts to curb the dangerous impulses of a reckless federal administration.”  

This amicus brief is filed in response to the Trump Administration’s launch of “Operation Metro Surge,” an ongoing enforcement effort that has led to an unprecedented increase of thousands of masked and armed federal law enforcement officers in the Twin Cities, effectively creating a military occupation of those cities. It is the latest in a series of deployments across the country that constitute a perilous increase in the presence of militarized federal immigration officers and which have caused mounting fear, tensions, and violence in the cities and localities amici represent. 

The coalition of amici cities argues that the Trump Administration is invading peaceful American cities to unlawfully punish communities that do not instruct local police to engage in Trump’s mass deportation agenda. The Tenth Amendment protects the sovereignty of States and bars the federal government from commandeering state and local resources for federal purposes. This argument has been upheld in cases around the country where the Trump Administration has sought to strip funding or otherwise punish jurisdictions with local policies disfavored by the President.

“Local governments shouldn’t have to govern under threat,” said Jill Habig, CEO of Public Rights Project. “Operation Metro Surge is a military occupation of an American city. Cities are standing together against this coercion campaign that spreads fear, diverts local resources, and undermines public safety.”

The Public Rights Project served as amici counsel. The full list of mayors, cities, and counties who joined the brief is below. 

Local Governments and Mayors

• City of Boston, Massachusetts
• City of Alameda, California
• City of Albany, New York
• City of Albuquerque, New Mexico
• City of Alexandria, Virginia
• Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
• City of Ann Arbor, Michigan
• City of Baltimore, Maryland
• City of Beaverton, Oregon
• City of Bend, Oregon
• City of Cambridge, Massachusetts
• City of Chelsea, Massachusetts
• City of Chicago, Illinois
• City of Cincinnati, Ohio
• City of Columbus, Ohio
• Dane County, Wisconsin
• City and County of Denver, Colorado
• City of Hillsboro, Oregon
• City of Los Angeles, California
• City of Lynn, Massachusetts
• City of Madison, Wisconsin
• Martin Luther King, Jr. County, Washington
• City of Melrose, Massachusetts
• Monterey County, California
• City of New Haven, Connecticut
• City of Newton, Massachusetts
• City of Northampton, Massachusetts
• Pima County, Arizona
• City of Portland, Oregon
• City of Sacramento, California
• City of San Diego, California
• City and County of San Francisco, California
• County of Santa Clara, California
• City of Seattle, Washington
• City of Shoreline, Washington
• City of Somerville, Massachusetts
• City of Tucson, Arizona
• City of West Hollywood, California
• Karen Bass, Mayor, City of Los Angeles, California
• Celina Benitez, Mayor, City of Mount Rainier, Maryland
• John Clark, Mayor, Town of Ridgway, Colorado
• Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor, City of Alameda, California
• Bryan Kennedy, Mayor, City of Glendale, Wisconsin
• Quinton D. Lucas, Mayor, City of Kansas City, Missouri
• Kim Lund, Mayor, City of Bellingham, Washington
• Dominick Pangallo, Mayor, City of Salem, Massachusetts

波士頓揮毫迎新春 伍振中毛筆揮灑畫大馬

大波士頓僑界揮毫迎新春。（周菊子攝）

                   (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州牛頓市報導)“迎春揮毫”寫書法，慶新年這活動，在大波士頓已是行之十數年的“傳統”，1月17日由波士頓中華書法會等4機構合作，邀百歲人瑞吳紹營等8名書法家，在牛頓市波士頓僑教中心會址的即席揮毫示範，很是喜氣洋洋。

伍振中用半人高毛筆寫超大馬字。（周菊子攝）

                  即將於2月17日展開的農曆新年，論天干地支，屬丙午火馬年。去年創辦龍舟博物館，已退休，卻又被聯邦航空管理署（FAA）徵召支援航空管制工作的波士頓伍胥山公所主席暨紐英崙中華公所核數伍振中，這天應主辦單位之邀，用半人高的特大毛筆即席揮毫寫“馬”字春揮。他還別出心裁，發揮中國字可藝術化特色，把馬的形體融進字中，讓一個馬字，看起來還像似一匹正在奔騰前進的馬兒。

書法老師和嘉賓們合影。（周菊子攝）

                  出自論語“衛靈公”的「工欲善其事，必先利其器」這句中國名言，卻在伍振中揮毫時，因筆毛不順，難以自如揮灑，讓出席眾人親眼目睹其意義。伍振中也感慨的說，如果有隻更好的大毛筆，一定能“畫”出更好的馬與字。

                  今年的這場“迎春揮毫”，仍然由紐英崙書法會會長黃周麗桃做幕後主策劃，其他的協辦組織分別為波士頓華僑文教服務中心、紐英崙中華公所、及新英格蘭中文學校協會。

左起，黃周麗桃，John Rice，高家富，伍振中，蔣宗壬，馮文鸞展示他們即席揮毫成果。
（周菊子攝）

                  在現場各據一桌，即席揮毫的書法家有黃周麗桃，該會前會長池元山，伍振中，百歲人歲吳紹營，台山江門書法協會名譽會長陳松均，曾在河南電視台講授書法藝術的劉裕鵬，具中醫師身份，擅書畫，從羅德島州趕來的程嶺，以及勒星頓中文學校書法老師黃明嘉等8人。

致詞嘉賓即席揮毫。（周菊子攝）

                  波士頓僑教中心主任高家富還安排了一場開幕式，請黃周麗桃，以及新英格蘭中文學校協會會長馮文鸞，波士頓僑務諮詢委員蔣宗壬，書法家暨伍氏公所主席伍振中，以及甫卸任牛頓市海德社區中心主任，現為牛頓市新任市長Marc Laredo 麾下社區服務長的John Rice等嘉賓致詞。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富感謝眾人出席。（周菊子攝）

                  黃周麗桃配合現場的大多數人不懂廣東話，以國語發言。她說，用毛筆寫書法，憑創意撰春聯都是中華文化獨有的傳統，她為該會得以年年參與籌辦這發揚中華文化傳統，展現中文形體、意境之美的藝術活動，感到榮幸，希望能夠一路傳承。

                  馮文鸞則指出，在黃明嘉老師推動下，該會去年首次舉辦毛筆書法比賽，反響極佳，多所中文學校相繼開辦書法班，訂今年5

月舉辦的美東中文學校協會年會，也將史上第一次的包括毛筆書法比賽，希望今後有更多人支持傳承。

左起，黃明嘉，程嶺，劉裕鵬，伍振中，高家富，黃周麗桃，池元山。（周菊子攝）

                  John Rice笑說過去15年來，除了有一次他和太太到佛羅里達州渡假外，每年都來參加迎春揮毫。他太太還會把他寫的字貼在冰箱上，連小女兒看到都說有進步。他說今年不太一樣的是，他現在為牛頓市市長Marc Laredo工作，代表整個牛頓市歡迎大家，鑑於他和波士頓經文處的長久良好關係，相信將來可以從全市層面有更多合作。

                  包括麥德福市市議員曾御宸，紐英崙中華專業人員協會會長盧彥君，劍橋合唱團團長林泓安，波士頓影展協會幹部黃文彥，You&Me合唱團團長蔡佩珊，勒星頓中文學校校長薛銘仁，佛光會前會長田德玉等，這天有不少人專程出席捧場。

右起，僑務諮詢委員蔣宗壬和勒星頓中文學校校長薛銘仁，紐英崙中華專業人員協會
會長盧彥君，曾任中華書法會會長的池元山，前任佛光會會長田德玉等人展示春聯。
（周菊子攝）

麥德福市市議員曾御宸（右）謝謝伍振中送他一張特製2026新年賀卡。（周菊子攝）

黃周麗桃（又）為曾御宸（左）寫了一幅“步步高升”，預祝他仕途亨通。（周菊子攝）

百歲書法家吳紹營坐鎮一隅，即席揮毫。（周菊子攝）

台山江門書法協會名譽會長陳松均。（周菊子攝）

曾應湖南電視台之邀講授書法的劉裕鵬。（周菊子攝）

程嶺（左）不僅擅書法，還是中醫師。（周菊子攝）

黃明嘉（左二）讓他的外籍學生試身手。（周菊子攝）

盧彥君（中）笑說，馬年最好的意頭就是「馬到功成」。（周菊子攝）

劍橋合唱團團長林泓安也來湊熱鬧，領春聯。（周菊子攝）

黃文彥攜家帶眷來感受文化傳統。（周菊子攝）

僑教中心志工鄭玉春笑說“招財進寶”最重要。（周菊子攝）

You & Me 樂隊新任團長蔡佩珊（右）。（周菊子攝）

會場張貼的春聯之一。（周菊子攝）

會場張貼的春聯之二。（周菊子攝）

In State of the Commonwealth, Governor Healey to Announce Immediate Reduction in Electric and Gas Bills

 In State of the Commonwealth, Governor Healey to Announce Immediate Reduction in Electric and Gas Bills 

BOSTON – In her third State of the Commonwealth Address, Governor Maura Healey will detail how she is working to lower costs for people and businesses, while continuing to stand up to the damage that President Trump is doing every day. She will announce several new initiatives to lower costs, including immediately reducing electricity bills by 25 percent and gas bills by 10 percent for every Massachusetts residential utility customer in February and March 2026. Her administration will be covering the cost of $180 million of these rate reductions from existing funding sources. Customers will start seeing these discounted rates in their February bills.  

“I called on the utilities to lower bills this winter, and now relief is on the way. Massachusetts customers will see their February and March electric bills reduced by 25 percent and gas bills reduced by 10 percent,” said Governor Healey. “We also know that long term help is needed. That’s why we’re going to keep working every day to bring more energy into our state, oppose rate hikes and get charges off of bills.” 

“Families cannot support big winter energy bills right now, so we called for more relief,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Our administration is working to help families make ends meet with $180 million in support, while continuing our advocacy for major reforms. Our energy affordability legislation would deliver lower cost energy in winter months by getting more energy built, getting us a better price, and driving down delivery costs. With energy costs rising nationwide, we’re going to keep calling for strong action in Massachusetts.” 

As energy prices spiked last year, Governor Healey sent $220 million to consumers through rebates and lower bills. She also filed legislation to bring more energy into the state and save consumers $13 billion, including by allowing the utilities to go out on the market and lock in the best prices, like private companies can. Governor Healey also called on the Department of Public Utilities to explain and justify every single charge on bills, and she pledged to eliminate any unnecessary charges. Additionally, a new transmission line just began operations last week, supplying 20 percent of the state’s electricity with clean, reliable hydropower and lowering bills by a combined $50 million a year. 

PATRICK ROATH ANNOUNCES FIRST WAVE OF LOCAL ENDORSEMENTS FROM ACROSS THE MASSACHUSETTS EIGHTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

 PATRICK ROATH ANNOUNCES FIRST WAVE OF LOCAL ENDORSEMENTS FROM ACROSS THE MASSACHUSETTS EIGHTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Ten elected officials from Braintree, Brockton, Canton, Hingham, Walpole, and Whitman back Roath’s campaign for Congress

 

BOSTON, MA — Patrick Roath, Democratic candidate for Congress in Massachusetts’ Eighth District, today announced endorsements from ten local elected officials representing communities across the district. The endorsements span town councils, school committees, boards of selectmen, and planning boards from Braintree to Whitman, reflecting growing momentum for Roath’s challenger campaign.

 

“These local leaders know their communities inside and out,” said Roath. “They see what I see: families struggling with the rising cost of childcare and housing, and a district that deserves a representative who will fight for them every single day. I’m honored to have their support.”

 

The endorsing officials are:

 

1.    Michelle Ayer, Hingham School Committee, Vice Chair

2.    Meredith Boericke, Braintree Town Council

3.    Patricia Boyden, Canton Select Board, Vice Chair

4.    Laura Burns, Hingham Municipal Light Board, Chair

5.    Sandra Centeio, Brockton School Committee

6.    Justin Evans, Whitman Select Board 

7.    Julia Flaherty, Braintree Town Council

8.    John Griffin, Walpole Planning Board

9.    Susan Harrington, Canton Select Board

10. Elizabeth Maglio, Braintree Town Council, Vice President 

 

“Patrick understands the challenges facing working families on the South Shore, and he is already showing up for us,” said Braintree Town Councilor Meredith Boericke. “His campaign demonstrates the leader he is: focusing first on people, and what matters to them most. Patrick will stand up for our communities, and deliver results.”

 

Roath’s campaign previously announced the endorsement of former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. Each endorser is announcing their support in their personal capacity and not on behalf of the government body they each serve on. 

Patrick Roath is a voting rights advocate, attorney, and candidate for Congress in Massachusetts' 8th District. Roath, 38, lives in Jamaica Plain with his wife Vicky and their newborn daughter. The Democratic primary is scheduled for September 1, 2026. Learn more at patrickroath.com.

波士頓市本週末寒流來襲 吳弭市長宣佈23至25日進入緊急狀況

            （Boston Orange編譯）氣象局預報本週末氣溫可能驟降到華氏負10度（約攝氏零下23度）。市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）今（22）日宣佈，波士頓市將在1月23日（週五）至1月25日（週日）進入寒流緊急狀態，全市青少年家庭中心（BCYF）將開放供民眾取暖。

            吳弭市長表示，為確保市民獲得因應寒流所需資源，市府各部門將全天候工作。撥市府也建議居民提前規劃保暖，關心鄰居，特別是長者、殘障人士及無家可歸者。如發現有人在戶外受寒，請立即撥打911。

            依照規定，但凡天氣預測到有一天或以上風寒指數低於-10°F，波士頓市就應進入緊急狀況，若為0°F或以下，則向市民提出寒冷警告。 

            除了波士頓青少年家庭中心之外，波士頓市公共圖書館總管及分館，也將在正常營業時間內，開放供民眾取暖。

 

MAYOR WU DECLARES COLD EMERGENCY AND SHARES SAFETY TIPS AS BRUTALLY COLD WEATHER ARRIVES THIS WEEKEND

BOSTON – Thursday, January 22, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu has declared a cold emergency in the City of Boston for Friday, January 23, through Sunday, January 25, due to the extreme cold weather forecasted for this time period. Boston is forecasted to experience wind chills reaching as low as -10 degrees Friday night into Saturday. BCYF locations will be activated as warming centers during normal operating hours.

 

“During these harsh conditions, please plan ahead to stay warm, look out for your neighbors and take all necessary precautions to stay safe,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our City departments are working around the clock to ensure all Boston residents are connected to the resources they need in a cold emergency.”

 

According to the National Weather Service, the wind chill temperature is expected to drop significantly Friday night into Saturday morning, reaching as low as -10 degrees. Due to the low temperatures, there is an increased risk for hypothermia and frostbite for certain individuals, such as those experiencing homelessness, the elderly, and young children. Cold weather may also exacerbate health issues in high-risk populations.

 

The current threshold for the City of Boston to declare a cold emergency is one day or more of -10°F or below observed wind chill. Additionally, the current City of Boston cold advisory threshold is one day or more of 0°F or below observed wind chill.

 

Mayor Wu is advising all residents to take precautions, including reminding everyone to check in on older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. If anyone sees someone experiencing homelessness out in the cold, please call 911. If residents are aware of anyone staying in a vehicle or a place not intended for living during these extreme cold temperatures, residents are encouraged to call 911 as well. 

 

Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) will activate warming centers at community centers during their normal operating hours. A full list of locations and their hours can be found here.

 

Residents can visit the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square or branch locations during their normal operating hours.

 

Information and resources to support individuals experiencing homelessness:

 

·       If you see a person experiencing homelessness or 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 Public Health Commission's emergency shelters are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees), amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions. 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 also work closely with other shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold.

·       Shelters are available any time of day or night for those in need.

·       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.

 

The Boston Police Department (BPD) is making announcements on every shift reminding officers and all personnel to be on the lookout for people on the streets. BPD will conduct wellness checks or assist with transportation to available shelters and coordinate with emergency medical personnel for unsheltered individuals. The BPD Street Outreach Unit will be available as a resource to assist the districts, outreach providers and 911 dispatch as needed. 

 

Cold weather safety tips:

 

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. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms. If symptoms are severe, call 911.

 

Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants:

 

·       Following 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 degrees between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.

·       In case 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, call 311 to file a complaint.

 

Heating safety:

 

·       Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, a kitchen stove, or any other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can quickly cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. 

·       Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually.

·       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, but it is poisonous and can be deadly.

·       Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, including people.

·       Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room, or go to bed.

 

Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold:

 

·       The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate their 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.

·       Keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air around pipes. A trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold can also 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 freeze, thaw them slowly with a hair dryer, if possible. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call the BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.  

 

Emergency home repair resources: 

 

·       Income-eligible homeowners and Boston 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).   

·       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 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.   

·       The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will have additional staff available to support residents throughout the extreme weather.

 

For alerts, including cold-weather alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston. More information can be found on boston.gov/cold