A snow emergency for the city has been declared starting Sunday at 8 am, with a parking ban taking effect at that time.
The city is encouraging residents to stay home and avoid travel, and if needed, please use public transportation.
- Once the snow emergency goes into effect, vehicles parked on major roads and main arteries will be towed.
- Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and to call 311 for non-emergency related issues. For any emergency, residents should call 911.
On Thursday, Mayor Wu declared a cold emergency from Friday, January 23 to Sunday, January 25. More information is available at boston.gov/cold.
- Boston residents with a resident sticker can find a list of free and discounted garages here. Parking at participating garages will begin at 6 am on Sunday. Discounted parking starts two hours before a declared snow emergency and ends two hours after lifting the emergency.
- Curbside trash and recycling collection will operate on a Monday holiday collection schedule, meaning a one-day delay in trash and recycling service.
- Individuals have 48 hours to use a space saver after the end of an emergency. After that, residents must remove it from the street.
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 the storm lasts for an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check and clear ramps abutting their property.
- Removal of snow and ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited.
- Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines issued by PWD’s Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found here.
Information and resources to support individuals experiencing homelessness:
- If you see a person experiencing homelessness or individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented, or underdressed for the cold, please call 911.
- The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) utilizes a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies, and first responders to assist those in need of shelter.
- Boston Public Health Commission’s emergency shelters are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees), amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions.
- Shelters are available any time of day or night for those in need.
Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants:
- Following the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
- If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, call 311 to file a complaint.
To keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold:
- The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate their 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.
- Keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air around pipes. A trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold can also help prevent them from freezing up.
- Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight.
- If pipes freeze, thaw them slowly with a hair dryer, if possible. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call the BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.
Emergency home repair resources:
- Income-eligible homeowners and Boston residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces, and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).
- In addition, the Mayor’s Seniors Save program helps income-eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand-new heating system, even before a failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.
- The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will have additional staff available to support residents throughout the extreme weather.
For alerts, including cold-weather alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston. More information can be found on boston.gov/winter.
