‘Prepared for anything:’ Boston braces for oncoming winter weather
City officials once again gathered around one of the city’s mountainous salt piles to announce Boston is braced for any oncoming winter weather — and they urged residents to do their part.
“Winter doesn’t stand a chance in Boston, because we are ready,” said Mayor Michelle Wu, flanked by a glittering salt pile and large snow plow in the Public Works Yard Wednesday. “And we know that last winter was particularly mild, and so I’m trying not to jinx it today here in front of the salt pile, but we will be prepared for anything.”
The city has 44,000 tons of salt — upping last year by 4,000 tons — and 175 pieces of snow clearing apparatus with 800 more available for snow emergencies, Wu said.
Following a notably mild winter last year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association forecasted a warmer-than-average winter for the New England region in their 2023-24 Winter Outlook release. In a report released in October, though, AccuWeather forecasted up to three times higher snowfall in the Boston region compared to last year.
“But preparing for winter isn’t just about streets and public walkways,” Wu said. “It is also about keeping our residents warm and safe.”
The city hosts a number of winter programs for residents, including energy and heating assistance to help get families through the winter. Families can apply to receive assistance with fuel costs, weatherization, system repairs and more through the city of Boston website.
“We know that making it through the winter is very much a team effort, certainly within the city but also with our residents and businesses,” said Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge. “And we need people to do their part and follow the rules that we’ve had for shoveling.”
Residents are responsible for shoveling all sidewalks and curb ramps abutting their property within three hours after snowfall ends or the sun rises, Franklin Hodge said.
Officials also reminded folks the city only allows residents to use “space savers” for parking spaces after an official snow emergency had been declared and up to 48 hours after the emergency has ended — except in the South End and Bay Village, which don’t allow the practice.
People can also pitch in by calling 311 — or using the 311 app — for any snow or winter weather related concerns, like covered fire hydrants and handicap ramps, or questions, officials said. Speakers also encouraged seniors to call at any time, noting the city “stands ready to assist senior homeowners in need of any type of emergency repair.”
Wu encouraged anyone concerned any elderly, unhoused, under-dressed or disoriented people out in winter weather to “please call 911 to make sure that they can get help and support right away.”
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The city has 1,030 emergency bed for homeless individuals, said Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon, and an additional 219 for individuals who need less populated facilities and more support because of mental health and substance abuse issues.
As the migrant and shelter crisis grows, the city, state and nonprofit partners are adding beds and warming spaces, Dillon said, and “no one will be turned away.”
Officials also called on residents to be safe by dressing with consideration for the weather and being careful and visible when traveling after dark during the early sunsets.
“We know that getting through the winter here is a community effort,” said Wu. “And we have the strongest community here in Boston one that supports one another from helping shovel snow and dig out cars to checking on our neighbors.”
The city has program application and details guides on subjects like parking, shoveling, losing power and more on boston.gov/winter.