March 15, 2010

Highlights flooding concerns as Noon high tide approaches

Filed under: All Posts, Boston News, Public Safety, Weather — Tags: , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 11:11 am

The Mayor expressed concerns of flooding in all residential areas as high tide approaches at noon today, particularly in parts of Dorchester that have experienced the highest levels of rainfall.

Boston Water and Sewer is monitoring water flow city wide. Storm water run off and catch basins are performing fine, however sewer systems are more concerning as rain water floods the system and backflow is happening in some areas.  Rain totals from 9:00 am on Friday through 10:00 am on Monday provided by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission are as follows:

  • Union Park Pump Station, 120 Malden Street, South End – 10.19 inches
  • Roslindale Branch Library, 4238 Washington Street, Roslindale – 7.81 inches
  • Adams Street Branch Library, 690 Adams Street, Dorchester – 8.68 inches
  • Union Square Fire Station, 460 Cambridge Street, Allston – 8.2 inches
  • Joseph Lee School, 155 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester – 10.72 inches

The massive amounts of rain have caused some issues with our traffic lights at approx. 15 intersections throughout the city.  The city’s traffic center is open and will be responding to any issues that may arise.  Boston Police officers will be assigned to these intersections to ensure safety. Drivers are reminded that if there is a blinking traffic signal you are to obey the light – blinking red, stop and blinking yellow, proceed with caution. There are currently no city roads closed, however, orange cones on some roadways indicate pooling water areas where vehicles should slow down and use caution.

Mayor Menino also put the city’s pothole crews on alert.  With heavy rains followed by the warm temperatures expected later this week, the Mayor’s Pothole Patrol crews will be out in full force to repair all damages to city streets.

The city does have some areas prone to flooding and if residents need any assistance they should call the Mayor’s hotline (617-635-4500) or visit Citizens Connect online at www.cityofboston.gov.  The hotline has increased staff to respond to storm-related matters and will direct callers to appropriate agencies for support if needed.   The hotline has received over 2,000 calls in the last 72 hours, many from residents reporting storm-related problems and from homeowners with flooded basements.  The city is responding to all calls and offering assessments.  Residents are reminded that flooding can cause electrical issues.  The city’s Inspectional Services Department along with Boston Water and Sewer and the Fire Department and Mayor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness are ready to respond if needed.  Boston Water & Sewer Crews are unable to assist with pumping out flooded basements.

February 10, 2010

MAYOR MENINO ANNOUNCES ONE TIME AMNESTY FOR SNOW EMERGENCY PARKING VIOLATIONS ISSUED TODAY DURING THE NO’EASTER

Filed under: All Posts, Boston News, Weather — Tags: , , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 8:48 pm

Points to Unique Nature of This Changing Storm and Families who may Already be Struggling in this Economy as factors in his Decision.

The City of Boston declared a snow emergency at 8am this morning and it was lifted this afternoon at 6pm.  Mayor Menino today announced that tickets issued for snow emergency violations during that time period will be forgiven.

Snow Emergencies are called to insure that our main roads are clear of vehicles in the event of a major storm to allow our snow removal teams the ability to fully clear the streets.  The decision to implement the a parking ban early in the day is to give residents the opportunity to move vehicles to one of the many discounted off-street garages or lots before they leave for work.  Many of our residents take public transportation to work and therefore calling a snow emergency for later in the day could effect their work day.

We appreciate the cooperation during Snow Emergencies. In the futures residents and others are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program to be notified when a snow emergency is declared and canceled as well for access to other important storm-related information.  To learn more about “Know Snow,” visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/.

February 9, 2010

Boston Public Schools Closed 2/10/2010

Filed under: All Posts, Boston News, Weather — Tags: , , , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 10:19 pm

Boston Public Schools are cancelled tomorrow, Wednesday, February 10. Anticipated visibility problems and icy conditions Wednesday are likely to make road travel for school buses problematic, although BPS administrative offices are open.

For further information, please contact the City of Boston Storm Center at (617) 635-3050, or see the City of Boston website at www.cityofboston.gov.

BOSTON SNOW EMERGENCY: Parking ban in effect 2/10/2010 beginning 8:00 AM

Filed under: All Posts, Boston News, Weather — Joseph Porcelli @ 10:01 pm

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared that a snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2010. Mayor Menino would like to remind residents of the following:

  • The City of Boston encourages businesses to ask employees to work from home when possible, take public transportation, and be prepared for a potentially dangerous evening commute. Everyone is encouraged to use public transportation.
  • City of Boston afternoon and evening activities are subject to cancellation.
  • Move cars from main arterials during snow emergencies. A listing of main arterials can be found at www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking/
  • Do not park cars within 20 feet of an intersection. Parking too close to an intersection can restrict emergency vehicle access.
  • Do not throw snow back into the street. “Throwbacks” force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.
  • Shovel out fire hydrants and storm drains close to your home.
  • Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut homes and businesses.
  • Do not double park.
  • Keep wheelchair ramps clear.
  • Lend an extra hand to elderly and neighbors and others in need.

During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers. A list of locations is available at www.cityofboston.gov/snow. The city’s Know Snow program will be in effect this afternoon to alert residents of the snow emergency.

The City of Boston Storm Center will open at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, when the snow emergency goes into effect. Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the center at 617-635-3050, starting at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday

December 19, 2009

Boston declares Snow Emergency at 10 PM tonight!

Filed under: All Posts, Boston News, Weather — Tags: , , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 1:13 pm

Mayor Urges Use of Public Transportation; overnight parking ban in effect

Mayor Thomas M. Menino has declared a Snow Emergency for the City of Boston that will go into effect at 10 p.m. tonight in anticipation of the forecasted snow storm expected to begin tonight and continue overnight into late Sunday morning.  The National Weather Service is forecasting a potential of upwards of 15 inches of snow in Boston, with the heaviest concentration falling between midnight and 8 a.m. Sunday. Winds could exceed 30 miles per hour during the highpoint of the storm. Mayor Menino urges everyone to use public transportation when traveling, as a citywide parking ban will be in effect through the duration of the Snow Emergency.

In preparation for potential blizzard-like conditions, the City has over 600 pieces of snow removal equipment at the ready and nearly 25,000 tons of salt at depots across the city.  The City’s emergency homeless shelters will be open throughout the day and evening to insure everyone has a place to stay during the storm.

Mayor Menino reminds residents of the following:

  • During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston.  These streets are posted with “Tow Zone – No Parking During Snow Emergency” signs.
  • A listing of major arteries and alternate parking can be found at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking/
  • On streets other than major arteries, do not park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than one foot from the cur, as this impedes access for both emergency vehicles and snow plows.  On non-emergency streets – streets other than major arteries – there will be odd side parking.
  • Parking space savers must be removed no more than 48 hours after a snow emergency is lifted.  The City’s Department of Public Works will remove space savers left out beyond this period.
  • Do not throw snow back into the street. “Throwbacks” force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.
  • Shovel out fire hydrants close to your home.
  • Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut their homes and businesses and any handicapped ramps close to your homes or business.
  • Do not double-park.
  • Please check on elderly neighbors and others in need.

During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers.  Residents are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program to be notified when a snow emergency is declared and canceled as well for access to other important storm-related information.  To learn more about “Know Snow,” visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/.

Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at (617) 635-4500.  Working with the National Weather Service, the City will continue to monitor the storm and alert the public when the Snow Emergency has been lifted.

August 17, 2009

Heat Advisory for Boston MA

Filed under: All Posts, Boston News, Weather — Tags: , , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 2:43 pm

CITY OF BOSTON ∙ MASSACHUSETTS

Office of the Mayor

Thomas M. Menino

For Immediate Release:                                                                            For More Information Contact:

August 17, 2009                                                                                                    Press Office, 617-635-4461

Mayor Menino Reminds Residents to Keep it Cool in Hot Weather

With temperatures expected to top 90 degrees this week, Mayor Thomas M. Menino issued a heat advisory and reminds residents to prepare for the hot weather by taking precautions to stay healthy. It is also a great time for Boston residents to take advantage of some of the cool offerings around the city – take a tour of the Copley library, or head to the Museum of Fine Arts, “Seeing Songs” show. Visit the USS Constitution Museum’s new exhibit, “All Hands on Deck A Sailor’s Life in 1812”or head to the movies, all of these fun activities can be done indoors with air conditioning.

“Everyone should enjoy the weather, but be safe while doing so,” said Mayor Menino. “Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and injuries, but everyone should remember to limit their activities during very hot weather.”

Additional measures to beat the heat include avoiding cooking, taking cool showers or baths, and wearing loose, light-colored clothing.

The city’s pools and community centers are now open for summer activities. Mayor Menino urges residents to utilize these facilities. For additional information, residents can contact the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500 or www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf. Residents are reminded that fire hydrants should not be tampered with or opened; doing so may hinder fire prevention capabilities.

The Mayor’s Commission on the Affairs of the Elderly has been proactively informing seniors of staying healthy during hot, humid weather through community seminars and contacting homebound seniors. The elderly are advised to call the Elderly Commission at 617-635-4366 or the Mayor’s 24 – Hour hotline at 617-635-4500 if they experience problems and to drink plenty of water and avoid outside activity. Additional information is available by calling the Elderly Commission at 617-635-4366.

The warning signs for heat illness include: dizziness, weakness, fainting and vomiting, stomach cramps or cramping of the legs or arms, and confusion and agitation. If anyone experiences any of the symptoms listed above, they should first stop what they are doing and, if possible, move themselves to a cooler area. If symptoms persist, they should call 9-1-1 immediately. Family, friends and neighbors are also urged to check in frequently with elderly residents who may need assistance during the hot weather.

For questions about heat-related city services, residents should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617 635-4500.

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