Boston ready for snow storm

December 18, 11:06 PMBoston Happenings ExaminerAnthony Crowe

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Image courtesy City of Boston

Mayor Thomas Menino was clear today in his assertion that Boston is prepared for its first major snow storm of the year, with meteorologists and The National Weather Service predicting nearly a foot arriving early tomorrow. "The city is well prepared to handle the first snow storm of the year. We will continue to monitor the storm as it comes closer, and we will keep the public updated on all snow-related planning."

As a result, Boston Public Schools are closed for the day, and a snow emergency has been announced which will go into effect at 9:00am on Friday, December 19. Putting public safety as the top priority, Mayor Menino reminded residents of the following:

• All City of Boston evening activities will be cancelled. Everyone is encouraged to use public transportation.
• Move cars from main arterials during snow emergencies with free and discounted parking arrangements.
• Do not park cars within twenty feet of an intersection. Parking too close to an intersection can restrict emergency vehicle access.
• Do not throw snow back into the street. Throwing back forces the city to remove snow from the same street twice.
• Shovel out the fire hydrants close to your home.
• Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut their homes and businesses.
• Do not double park.
• Keep wheelchair ramps clear.

The City of Boston has shown incredible forethought this year by releasing many resources to the public which have been available as we await the first major snow storm. For instance, you can find a comprehensive listing of emergency phone numbers at the City of Boston website, along with the Winter Weather Facts Guide, containing valuable tips on how to handle the weather and where to find further resources. There is also a useful Cold Weather Dos And Don'ts Bulletin which is part of a collaborative effort by the Public Health Commission and Emergency Medical Services, and other resources to help prepare for winter.

Further actions are being taken by Governor Deval Patrick, who declared a statewide state of emergency on Monday, enabling him to take the appropriate steps to mobilize many of the Commonwealth's assets such as the National Guard. He will also have more latitude in conducting other emergency business to assist local communities in their response to - and recovery from - the many impacts of this winter storm. Governor Patrick has asserted that his office is closely monitoring the oncoming storm.

Governor Patrick addressed the public earlier today: "We will do everything we can, mindful that Mother Nature has a mind of her own, everything we can to insure the safety and  ease of movement of the people of Massachusetts. I will say that those who can, who must travel tomorrow – again this is based of very preliminary information about the storm – but those who must travel tomorrow should make plans to do so, I think, by public transportation, again, for their own safety and to make sure we are keeping the roads clear for vehicles that need to work on snow removal."

The Mayor's office, along with the Boston Chamber of Commerce, have encouraged private businesses to close early, release non-essential staff, and if possible - cease business tomorrow for the safety of employees and customers alike. Be sure to check on your plans before you leave home. And if you have any major concerns or questions related to the storm, call the City of Boston Storm Center Hotline at (617) 635-3050.