Monday, March 13, 2017
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno met with Emergency Preparedness Director Bob Hassett and Department Heads today to discuss steps the City of Springfield will be taking in preparation for tomorrow’s Winter Storm Stella. Mayor Sarno received a weather update indicating that Springfield may receive between 12-18 inches of snow as well as potential high winds between 20-40 miles per hour –which will impact visibility.
Tuesday morning’s commute will be complicated by morning snowfall beginning between 6 and 7:00 a.m. and driving will also be treacherous for the evening commute. The storm will wind down by approximately 8 to 9:00 p.m. Please note that due to the rate of snowfall, it will be difficult for DPW to keep streets clear and safe. At times, snow is expected to fall 3-4 inches per hour. The plowing operation will not be completed until Wednesday morning, it is strongly requested that residents exercise patience and keep vehicles off the streets; Mayor Sarno also suggested that businesses take caution and encourage staff to work from home.
DPW Director Chris Cignoli indicates with the expected amount of snow and over 2,000 streets in the City, full plow operations will be in effect but it will take 10-12 hours to complete all streets once the snow has stopped falling. The Emergency Preparedness Center at the Raymond M. Sullivan Safety Complex at 1212 Carew Street will be open tomorrow as will be DPW Storm Center at 70 Tapley Street.
Mayor Sarno stated, “We appreciate your patience and resiliency. I’m very proud of my City staff, Cabinet Heads down to rank and file. Unfortunately or fortunately we have been tested and true throughout a number of natural and man-made disasters. We will get through this together. I also urge you to please check in on your neighbors, especially senior citizens – ‘we all know spring is right around the corner!’”
The following action steps have been proactively put into place:
Parking Ban
A City-wide parking ban will go into effect at 7:00 p.m. today. Parking will not be permitted on the odd side of the street from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM and No Parking on the even side from 7:00 PM until 7:00 AM. The ban will be enforced through ticketing and towing. The ban will be in effect until further notice.
The Department of Public Works and the Springfield Fire Department are strongly encouraging residents to keep cars off the road and use their driveways so the streets may be plowed properly to allow emergency vehicles to pass as needed.
Parking considerations: The Springfield Parking Authority will allow parking in the Civic Center Garage off Harrison Avenue for the duration of the storm. The cost is $2 every 12 hours.
Transportation
PVTA will not be operating on Tuesday, March 14th to ensure safety for passengers and drivers.
Springfield Public Schools
Springfield Public Schools have cancelled classes for Tuesday, March 14th. Central Office will also be closed.
Springfield City Hall
City Hall will be closed for Tuesday, March 14th. Emergency personnel and services will remain intact.
Important Message from the Springfield Fire Department
Residents should not use candles to avoid fires. Residents using backup generators and fireplaces should ensure there is proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, especially when using equipment that requires vents or fans such as use of your clothes dryer for airflow if there is a power outage. Residents are also encouraged to dig out their fire hydrants for first responders.
Down Power Line Warning
Residents should stay away from all downed power lines to avoid injuries and call 911 or Eversource at 1-877-659-6326.
Emergency Shelter
An emergency shelter will open if necessary. Springfield’s Health and Human Service Department is prepared to staff and open a shelter if conditions warrant.
Health Safety Advisory
In case of a power outage, the City’s Department of Health and Human Services advises residents not to consume any food that has been stored in a refrigerator at temperatures of 40 degrees for more than four (4) consecutive hours to avoid illness.
Residents on medication should have a minimum 5 day supply available.
Residents should be careful shoveling snow, while the snow will be light in texture, there will be a large amount to clear. Please take caution.
Municipal Rubbish Collection
The Springfield Department of Public Works announces that due to the intensity of tomorrow’s Nor’easter, trash and recycling pick-up will be cancelled. Tuesday routes will be picked up this Saturday, March 18th; please have trash and recycling at the curb no later than 6:00 a.m.
Helping Animals in Need
Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center will be able to assist domestic animals. Essential staff will be on site for animal care and animal control officers will be available for animal emergencies.
TJO Animal Control & Adoption Center
627 Cottage Street
Springfield, MA 01104
Tel #: (413) 781-1484
www.tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com
3-1-1 Call Center
The City’s 3-1-1 Call Center will be open tomorrow and Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The call center can be reached from a landline by calling 3-1-1, or from outside of Springfield or via cell phone at (413) 736-3111.
