Worcester Prepares Response to Major Storm
For Immediate Release:
1/26/2015 8:13 am
Worcester, MA (January 26, 2015) - The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning starting Monday evening for much of central and eastern Massachusetts, including Worcester. Forecasters predict high winds, heavy snow and blizzard-like conditions, starting Monday evening and lasting into Wednesday.
Because of the potential for heavy and blowing snow, travel will be dangerous and potentially life threatening during the height of the storm. The storm carries a high risk of downed trees and utility lines, which may cause power outages.
The City of Worcester is preparing for this storm in a number of ways:
- Worcester's Division of Emergency Management has been monitoring the National Weather Service forecast throughout the day Sunday. They have kept in constant contact with the weather service, Worcester Public Schools, colleges and universities, EMS, National Grid and other agencies throughout the day.
- Worcester's 911 center will be staffed with additional personnel.
- On Monday, we expect to activate the City's Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the City's response across all city departments. The EOC will be staffed by City Manager Edward Augustus, Division of Emergency Management Director Richard Fiske, a number of other City of Worcester department heads and emergency support personnel.
- Department of Public Works salt trucks will pre-treat the City's main arteries as soon as the first flakes fall. When the plowing operating begins, the City will have a full complement of 350-400 pieces of equipment plowing, treating and sanding Worcester's 500 miles of public streets.
- Worcester Public Schools expect to decide Monday afternoon whether to cancel school on Tuesday, based on the updated forecast.
- The City will periodically update the media and the public throughout the duration of the storm and the cleanup. The press can expect regular updates, and residents should follow the City on Facebook and Twitter for up to the minute information.
- Emergency information will also be put out through the City's ALERTWorcester system, a free service that residents can sign up for at the Division of Emergency Management's website.
TIPS FOR RESIDENTS
- Illegally-parked vehicles are the biggest obstacle to effective snow removal efforts. Residents are reminded that a declared winter parking ban remains in effect. That means there is NO PARKING on any of the City's major roads, bus routes or any street downtown. Parking is limited to the odd-numbered side of other streets, unless otherwise posted. Check the City's website to see rules for a particular street.
- Municipally-owned parking garages are open overnight whenever a parking ban is in effect, for residents who want to get their vehicles off the street.
- Owners or occupants of property with sidewalks bordering on any street are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks 10 hours after snow ceases to fall. The elderly or disabled may qualify for assistance. Call (508) 929-1300 or check our Referral List.
- Please DO NOT call 911 for anything other than emergencies.
- Power outages can be reported and tracked on National Grid's website.
- Call DPW Customer Service at (508) 929-1300 to report down tree limbs, utility wires or blocked roads. Keep in mind that, because of the predicted snowfall amounts, it may take several hours for plows to get to your street. Especially during the height of the storm, the City's priority will be keeping main routes open for public safety vehicles.
- (508) 929-1300 is also the City's "no heat" hotline. Call that number if your home or apartment loses heat and you need help.
- Have an emergency kit ready with enough supplies to last 72 hours. Get more winter weather tips at the City's Emergency Management page.
- The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency also provides a wealth of helpful information for residents preparing for a major storm.
- Check on your neighbors who may be vulnerable.
- Fully charge your cell phone, laptop, and any other devices in case of a power outage.
- In the event of a power outage, throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
- Stay tuned to NOAA radio and local media outlets for the most up-to-date storm information.
