With a notable snowstorm on the horizon, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu stepped up to discuss the city's preparedness for the incoming inclement weather and offer important reminders to residents. The National Weather Service projects the city could see up to eight inches of snowfall starting this evening, a situation that warrants high vigilance but not quite a snow emergency or parking ban just yet, explained Wu in comments made available by Boston.gov.
City departments, led by the Public Works Department (PWD), are loading up on salt, amassing a stockpile of 41,000 tons, and preparing not just their in-house 175 snow-moving machines but also an additional fleet of up to 800, should Mother Nature turn fierce. "Our city staff are working around the clock to ensure each community member is safe and supported before, during and after snowfall," Wu stated, asserting Boston's readiness to face the wintry challenge head-on. Specifically, those in vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and the homeless are the focus of these comprehensive preparations. The city aims to ensure that everyone has shelter, resources, and respite from the cold.
Additionally, the city stands behind their ethic of equity in the season's preparations, enlisting A&M Home Services and Mass Trucking, both local minority-owned businesses, to join in snow and ice control operations. These partnerships, Wu mentioned, are part of Boston's Sheltered Market Program, which is designed to promote equitable procurement practices. These collaborations demonstrate the city's commitment not only to storm safety but also to supporting local enterprise and ensuring opportunity distribution. For the full scoop on shoveling rules and fines for noncompliance, residents can check out information posted on the City's website.
It doesn't stop there, with extra efforts such as extended hours for street outreach teams during extreme cold weather, Boston is striving to offer a helping hand to those who need it most. Homeowners and business proprietors have been reminded to clear sidewalks and curb ramps promptly, as failure to do so can rack up fines from the PWD's Code Enforcement Division. To aid residents, tips for winter storm preparation, dealing with power outages, and guidelines for safe home heating are readily available, touching upon the necessity of operational carbon monoxide detectors and smart snow shoveling habits.
Bostonians can receive real-time updates or report concerns through AlertBoston, which provides notifications in 11 different languages. The city's emergency mass notification system ensures broad and inclusive information dissemination. Mayor Michelle Wu's administration emphasizes a focus on community safety and meeting the needs of all Boston residents during winter weather conditions.
