Mayor Marty Walsh discusses incoming storm

BOSTON (WHDH) - City preparations are under way so when the worst of the storm hits this afternoon Boston is ahead of the game.

Mayor Marty Walsh talked about how Boston is getting ready for the storm.

“We started this morning around 6 a.m.” said Mayor Walsh. “Starting around 11 o’clock we will have 190 to 200 pieces of equipment on the street pre-treating the roads.”

Mayor Walsh said that number will go up to about 420 at the beginning of the storm and there will be as many as 700 pieces of equipment available throughout the night.

Over 30,000 tons of salt will be available.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning that is currently in effect and will stay in effect until 1 a.m. on Sunday.

The snow is expected to be heaviest between 1 and 7 p.m.

“The City offers a number of resources geared towards keeping residents safe and aware of current conditions,” said Walsh. “I encourage everyone to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and utilize our 311 call center for non-emergency related issues.”

The mayor also urges people not to go out on the streets unless it is necessary.

Rules on Clearing Snow

Property owners must 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 it snows overnight. Failure to comply will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement.
Removal of snow, ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited and will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement.
Please look here for information about fines associated with improper removal of snow.

Safety Tips

Shoveling snow requires significant exertion, please be cautious and pay attention to symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly when you stop exertion.
Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers, please take extra care when turning corners with snowpiles that might limit visibility.
Pedestrians should use caution as visibility will be diminished due to blowing and drifting of the snow caused by high winds.
Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should be sure to use their home heating systems wisely and safety, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your 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. For example, gas exhaust from heating system or dryer.
Remember to keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear.
Please check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled.
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.

Helping the Homeless

If you see homeless individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911.
The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) coordinates a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to assist those in need of shelter.
Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. Men can access shelters through 112 Southampton Street, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City are working closely with shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold.
Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person 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.

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