It’s over, the snow is gone! Well, not really but the “emergency” is over as of 6pm on Tuesday according to the City of Boston. Those using garages at discounted rates during the snow emergency will have until 8pm on Tuesday to move their cars. Parking on snow emergency streets such as Hanover, Commercial, Cross and N. Washington Streets will once again be permitted.
Mayor Menino apologized yesterday for the slow pace of snow removable making many side streets impassable days after the storm. City Councilor Sal LaMattina has been reaching out and taking calls at his office regarding such concerns (617-635-3200). More details in the latest news release from City Hall below.
Snow Removal Teams Continue to Make Significant Progress
Boston Public Schools Open Wednesday, February 13
Parking Ban & Snow Emergency Will Be Lifted at 6 p.m. Tonight
Mayor Thomas M. Menino this morning was briefed by his snow team on snow removal and clean-up efforts in the City of Boston. Boston Public Schools will be open tomorrow, Wednesday, February 13. The Parking Ban and Snow Emergency will be lifted at 6 p.m. this evening to accommodate residents parked in reduced rate garages; reduced rates will expire at 8 p.m. Significant progress was made during last night’s operations, and snow removal will continue through the day and evening. Drivers should continue to exercise caution, pay attention to “No Parking” signage in areas designated for snow removal, and expect delays as crews continue to remove snow. As with any large storm, the City’s Office of Emergency Management, led by Director Rene Fielding, will conduct a post-operations review to identify lessons learned and opportunities for operational improvements.
“Our snow removal teams did great work throughout the night last night,” Mayor Menino said. “Our crews will be out there all day and again tonight as we continue to widen roads, make our schools safe for students, and respond to residents’ concerns about residential areas.”
Snow Removal Teams Make Significant Progress
Boston Public Schools officials will be visiting all facilities today to ensure they’re ready for students’ return tomorrow morning. Buses will do a second round of route inspections today and facility teams are continuing clean-up work. Snow removal teams remain focused on clearing a priority list of 22 major arteries throughout the City. Additionally, 70 streets identified through calls to the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline were reached by snow removal and clean-up crews during the overnight shift. Clean-up efforts will continue through the day and evening. Snow Removal Strike Force teams, comprised of members of the Boston Public Works Department, Boston Transportation Department, Boston Police Department, and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, continue to be deployed throughout the City to remove piles of snow from roadways and intersections. Inspectional Services issued 350 citations between midnight and 7 a.m. for snow-related violations.
Last night, crews removed 1,350 loads of snow from roadways. The City is currently utilizing several snow farms, including at Marine Industrial Park, Reservation Road in Hyde Park and Columbus Avenue, next to 1542 Columbus.
The Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline continues to be fully staffed and has received more than 36,000 calls since the start of the storm. Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the Hotline at 617-635-4500. Residents can also request services and find snow information online at www.cityofboston.gov/snow.
Drivers Should Proceed With Caution, Pay Attention to “No Parking” Signage
The City is asking residents to proceed with extreme caution when traveling through the City. Drivers should pay special attention to increased numbers of pedestrians. Some streets will be marked with “No Parking” signs to allow for snow removal crews to work.
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that results from combustion and can quickly become fatal. Boston EMS has already seen several cases of CO poisoning as people shovel out their cars while having them turned on. Residents should clear snow and debris away from mufflers before starting the car. Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, nausea, headache, lethargy and vomiting. Carbon monoxide can also result from snow covered external vents. Major home appliances such as the clothes dryer and furnace vent air and gases outside. Check the vents around your home and make sure the area is clear of snow and debris. If you are using a generator, make sure it is far enough away to vent air and gases away from the home.
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