City Winter 101
by South End News Staff from City of Boston information
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Rules on clearing snow
Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet, and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If a storm will last over an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check ramps abutting their property for compliance.
Removal of snow and ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited.
Failure to comply with the rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division.
Parking during a declared snow emergency:
Space savers are NOT allowed in the South End and Bay Village.
If a snow emergency is declared, cars will be ticketed and towed if parked on a posted snow emergency artery.
Space savers must be removed within 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted.
During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at some parking lots and garages for Boston residents. A list of discounted parking garages can be found here: https://www.boston.gov/departments/311/snow-emergency-parking#parking-at-garages
Trash and recycling:
During severe snowstorms, recycling and trash collection may be canceled, but this is extremely rare. Most often, severe snowstorms can cause delays in service. Residents can download the free Trash Day App to view neighborhood recycling and trash schedules, locate a textile dropbox in their neighborhood, and to find out what items they can and can't recycle.
Crews have a difficult time reaching trash barrels and recycling carts placed behind snowbanks. Residents and business owners are asked to please clear an area at the curb for collection or place containers next to or in front of snowbanks.
Caring for vulnerable populations:
If you see homeless and vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented, or underdressed for the cold, please call 911.
Boston's emergency shelters are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees) amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City work closely with shelter providers in the city to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold.
Any person needing shelter should access shelter directly, any time of day or night. Providers and community partners looking to facilitate shelter access may call 617-534-4440, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Safety tips:
If you are able, keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear of snow and debris. This will help prevent flooding and allow for access in the event of an emergency.
Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly.
Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes of snow.
Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution.
Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants:
In accordance with the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through May 31. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68° between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and 64° between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
In cases of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber, and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately.
If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, contact the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) at (617) 635-5300 to file a complaint, or call 311.
Heating safety:
Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, the kitchen stove, or other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.
Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually.
Make sure all vents are clear of snow or any other debris.
Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color. It is a poison and is deadly.
Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold:
The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate a home's main water shut off valve, and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage.
Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing.
Circulate warm air around pipes by keeping cabinet doors open. Circulate a trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold to help prevent them freezing up.
Read the full list at: www.boston.gov/news/mayor-wu-shares-bostons-winter-weather-preparations-2023