Boston has geared up as winter snow and temperature forecasts start to take shape, city officials announced Wednesday, reminding residents to watch out for their neighbors again this year.
“The last few years have been light, but we are prepared and ready for whatever this winter will bring for us,” said Boston Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge. “Please look out for your neighbors, and thank you for doing your part this winter.”
City officials said the city has 34,000 tons of salt to treat the streets and 175 pieces of in-house snow clearing equipment on hand, about on par with last season’s preparations. In case of a larger snow emergency, the city has the ability to deploy over 800 more pieces through contractors.
Early predictions for the season forecasted a La Nina winter may deliver more mild weather this winter, with possibly higher snow totals than the last two years. Last year, Franklin-Hodge said, Boston saw 11 snow events requiring a response. The city has seen two small snow events requiring some preparation, he added.
Plowing will prioritize major arteries, city officials said, before going through smaller streets. The city has expanded a program using smaller equipment to clear bike lanes, curb ramps and crosswalks, especially around areas like transit and school bus stops, Franklin-Hodge said.
“Whether you walk, take the bus, bike or drive, we want winter travel to be safe and convenient,” Franklin-Hodge said. “In addition to our intensive efforts to clear vehicle lanes on our streets, we also work to keep the city safe for people using our sidewalks or riding a bike.”
All residents and businesses have a “part to play,” Franklin-Hodge said, emphasizing the need to be cognizant about shoveling, parking and trash regulations, and safety concerns.
Residents are responsible for clearing sidewalks and curb ramps along their property within three hours after snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight.
During a snow emergency, cars parked along snow arteries will be ticketed and towed, city officials said. Space savers, which are not allowed in the South End and Bay Village, must be removed within 48 hours after a snow emergency ends.
Residents may also call 311 for concerns from covered fire hydrants to broken street lights to in-home emergencies like broken pipes or heating systems. City officials said departments send support to make sure residents are “safe and in conditions that are appropriate” in case of emergency.
“We are asking the public, if you see anyone who looks like they’re in distress because of cold weather or for any reason, call 911,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing, “and we will dispatch someone as quickly as we can to that person and encourage them to come in and get warm and get services.”
Boston has about 1,170 emergency shelter beds for homeless individuals in need of shelter during the winter, along with an additional 180 low threshold beds for individuals that do not do well in large shelters.
“We all know that shelters have been full heading into the winter, so to respond to that, the city has been working very hard with our partners, and we have identified an additional 215 emergency shelter beds or warming spaces,” said Dillon. “So we feel comfortable that in the cold and inclement weather, no one will be turned away.”
City officials encouraged individuals to download the 311 app and sign up for the emergency alert system via boston.gov/alert.
More information on snow regulations and services is available in 11 languages on boston.gov/snow.