The Great Blizzard of 2016 is history but the reality of her visit is now upon us. As you begin to dig yourselves out of the record 28-plus inches of snow, the Somerville Office of Emergency Management reminds you that,
Roads and Driving:
While the sun is out and there are even signs of some melting taking place please NO NOT parking your cars onto the street as DPW is still plowing the roads. Once it is okay to resume parking on the streets we will communicate it to you. Roads are still impassable so we advise to stay off the roads unless it is absolutely urgent.
Snow Removal:
1. Be careful when shoveling snow. Pace yourself. Do not shovel for more than 15-20 minutes at a time and allow an equal amount of time to rest before returning back to work
2. DPW crews continue to work on plowing roads. This was a record snow event so please be patient as it will take quite some time for the plowing to occur. DO NOT call the police department or dial 9-1-1 asking about plowing on your street.
3. The only way to plow snow is towards the side of the street, inevitably this will mean snow will be pushed up onto the end of your driveway. Yes it is inconvenient but it is a reality of snow removal.
4. Residents and business owners with sidewalks on their property are responsible for the maintenance of that sidewalk, including snow removal. Borough ordinance require that snow be removed within 12 day-light hours of the end of a storm. This is important for everyone has a safe place to walk.
5. If you have a fire hydrant on or near your property please give our volunteer firefighters a hand and clear the snow around the hydrant. It is greatly appreciated!
6. When removing snow from your sidewalks and driveways please do not throw it back into the street.
7. Be sure to clear snow away from dryer and other utility exhaust vents and make sure you have a functioning carbon monoxide and smoke detector in your residence or business
8. Before starting your vehicle be sure to remove snow from around your automobiles exhaust pipe. Failure to do this will cause a build up of carbon monoxide within your vehicle.
Power Outages:
We have been fortunate so far and have not had any power outages reported from PSEG. If you lose power, DO NOT call the police department or 9-1-1. Contact PSEG at 1-800-436-PSEG or by texting "OUT" to 4PSEG (47734).
MOST IMPORTANTLY....BE SAFE.. For all emergencies dial 9-1-1. Our professionals within the Police Department, Fire Department, and Rescue Squad will respond as quickly as possible to meet your emergent needs.
Somerville Office of Emergency Management