Snow Emergency for Philadelphia Beginning at 9 p.m. Tuesday

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, NJ. issued a Blizzard Warning until midnight Wednesday night. A total of 12-22 inches of snow are possible. Strong winds are expected to cause blowing and drifting of snow, which will make travel very hazardous or impossible. DO NOT TRAVEL. If you must travel, have a Winter Survival Kit. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.

If a snow emergency is declared, cars parked on snow emergency routes must be removed. If your car is towed, call 215-686-SNOW for its location. Do NOT call 911. A list of snow emergency routes can be found at http://www.phila.gov/streets/index.html

For successful snow and ice management, Streets Commissioner Tolson urges residents to follow 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 30” 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.
• Salt 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.
• Stay tuned to local media for further updates.
• Check on sick and elderly neighbors.

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.