Snow Emergency for Philadelphia

Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced today that the City has declared a Snow Emergency as of 2 p.m. today. To coordinate the City’s snow emergency response, the Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Sunday  at 12 p.m. 

Mayor Nutter said, “With many people traveling home after the Christmas holiday, we expect heavier than normal traffic on Sunday.  We urge travelers to get an early start on Sunday morning and to refrain from driving during the height of the storm.  By keeping the roads clear from traffic, will allow our crews to do an effective job of plowing the snow.  If you must travel and for fans going to the Eagles game on Sunday, we urge you to use public transportation.”

All vehicles parked on Snow Emergency Routes must be moved to alternate parking locations. Vehicles remaining on Snow Emergency Routes during the declared Snow Emergency will be ticketed and the City will begin towing vehicles starting at  2 p.m. A list of snow emergency routes is attached and can also be found at http://www.phila.gov/streets/Snow_Emergency.html.

Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson stated that Streets Department crews will apply a brine solution to area roadways. Salt crews and equipment will be deployed throughout the City to respond to the precipitation. Crews will remain on duty to monitor roadways and to respond to problem locations and emergencies.

“Streets Department crews were readying equipment and resources on Christmas day. These crews will be working to remove snow in a timely manner,” said Commissioner Tolson. “So that our crews can do an effective job, it’s important for motorists not to park cars illegally. We remind everyone that plowing snow from private lots on to public streets will hamper our ability to clear roads, especially on some of the smaller streets in South Philadelphia,” said Streets Commissioner Tolson. “We need your cooperation to so that our snow removal efforts will go smoothly and be effective.”

Prepare for the winter weather with these tips:

• Apply any commercial de-icer on steps and sidewalks early to prevent residual moisture from freezing over and creating icy conditions. 
• Clear a sidewalk path at least 36” wide within 6 hours of the end of the storm as listed in the Philadelphia Code (10-720).  
• Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain. 
• Be conscious of the environment – use de-icing salts only as much as needed. One pound of de-icer can cover 100 to 200 square feet.  
• De-icer should be applied as soon as a light accumulation has developed on the surface. This will break the bond between additional accumulations and the pavement surface, and will make it easier to shovel. 
• A final light application of a de-icer may be required after removal is completed to melt the residual snow. 
• Make sure you park your car as far away from the corner as possible. Cars parked too close to the corner limit the turning radius of salting vehicles.   
• Clear snow from neighborhood storm drains to allow melting snow to drain. Make sure firefighters will have easy access to fire hydrants by clearing snow around the hydrants. 
• Check on sick and elderly neighbors.  
• Bring your pets indoors.

To report a street in need of salting or plowing or for more information on any Streets Department program or service, call 3-1-1. You may also visit the Streets Department online at www.phila.gov/streets.

The City’s Code Blue remains in effect to provide additional support to the homeless.  If you see a homeless person in need of assistance, please call the Homeless Outreach Coordination Center at 215-232-1984.

Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity and Health Commissioner Donald Schwarz reminds Philadelphians to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their neighbors from injuries and accidents common in winter weather:

• Warm up with some stretching exercises inside. 
• Start slowly and pace yourself. Shovel no more than five loads a minute; don't shovel for more than 15 minutes without taking a break. Pause to stretch every five minutes by standing up straight. Don't feel the job has to get done in one session. 
• Push the snow. Don't lift. If you must lift, use your legs not your back.  
• Drink during breaks to avoid dehydration.  
• Never throw over your shoulder. Twisting can strain the back.  
• Dress warmly in layers with a hat. Cover your neck.  
• Take smaller scoops of snow, keeping them light and small.  
• Take a break if you're beginning to sweat. Bodies lose heat faster in damp clothes, which makes you more prone to injury.
•  Don't smoke or eat a heavy meal before shoveling. It's harder on the heart.
•  Don't hold your breath; this makes your heart rate and blood pressure rise  
• In an emergency, call a doctor, or 911 for a medic unit, or go to an emergency room. Until medical help arrives, protect someone suffering from exposure to the cold with extra blankets and clothing.

Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management Liam O’Keefe encourages Philadelphians to stay tuned to local media for updates. You can also visit the Office of Emergency Management’s website to sign up for emergency alerts, weather updates and transportation delays from ReadyNotifyPA, and follow OEM on our social media sites, all of which are available on the OEM website at www.phila.gov/ready.