Mayor Michelle Wu and City officials today announced winter weather preparations currently underway in the City of Boston and resources available to residents and those who are most at risk, including older residents, those with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
“As the winter season approaches, we are making preparations to ensure all Boston residents are connected to the resources they need all season long,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “ Our City departments are working around the clock to keep our community members safe and warm as temperatures drop. In case of a winter weather emergency, I encourage all residents to stay alert, look after your neighbors, and reach out to the City for support.”
The Public Works Department (PWD) currently has 37,000 tons of salt on hand to treat City streets. PWD has 175 pieces of in-house snow clearing equipment and has the capability to place over 800 additional pieces on the roads during large storms. As part of their neighborhood plowing operations during winter storms and to ensure the safety of riders following events, PWD allocates pieces of equipment to clear snow from Boston’s dedicated bike lanes.
The Office of Emergency Preparedness monitors forecasts and maintains close communication with the National Weather Service. Emergency Preparedness also works across City departments and with external partners to ensure coordinated response plans are in place leading up to extreme weather events. Residents can sign up to receive AlertBoston, the City’s emergency mass notification system, by phone, text, or email for information during weather events, including information if a snow emergency/parking ban is declared. Safety tips on how to prepare for winter storms are on boston.gov. AlertBoston notifications are available in 11 languages.
This year, A&M Home Services and Mass Trucking, two Boston-based, minority-owned businesses, will continue to assist the Public Works Department during snow and ice control operations, clearing City-owned stairways and footpaths. Both contracts are part of the City of Boston’s Sheltered Market Program aimed at promoting equity in procurement.
