SNOW STORM NEWS YOU CAN USE: IMPORTANT INFORMATION
CLICK HERE FOR SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Click below for important information on school closings, weather forecasts, and traffic. Plus all of the information you need to know when the snow hits including power outages, snow removal, and public transportation.
City of Philadelphia Winter Weather Guide· http://www.phila.gov/InformationCenters/Pages/winterWeatherInfo.aspx· For official updates from the City, follow@PhilaOEM on Twitter or find them onFacebook.· Other City Twitter accounts to follow for information: @PhiladelphiaGov; @Philly311; @PhilaStreets; @PhillyPolice; and @PhillyFireDept.
Ready Philadelphia Winter Weather Guide· https://beta.phila.gov/media/20151204151927/OEMwinterGuide2015print_final.pdf· Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management·www.phila.gov/ready· Twitter @PhilaOEM
When the City of Philadelphia has declared a snow emergency – the following regulations are in effect: Park your car at least 20 feet from the corner, as required by the state vehicle code. Cars parked too close to the corner limit the turning radius of salting vehicles.· The Police Department will be ticketing and towing illegally parked vehicles, which can impede the snow removal operation. If your car is towed, call 215-686-SNOW for its location. Do NOT call 911.· Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.· Check on sick and elderly neighbors.· Within six hours of the end of a snowfall or freezing rain, you must clear a path at least 30 inches wide on your sidewalk. Do not shovel or sweep the snow into the street. The penalty for violating this regulation can range from a minimum fine of $25 up to $300 for each violation. To report a sidewalk that has not been cleared, residents my call the Streets Department Customer Affairs Unit at (215) 686-5560.· For more information on any Streets Department program or service, residents are encouraged to call the Customer Affairs Unit at 215-686-5560, or visit us online atwww.phila.gov/streets.
For the complete announcement from the City of Philadelphia – click here.
ROAD CONDITIONS· For current interstate road conditions throughout Pennsylvania, people can call 1-888-783-6783. For those with Internet access, statewide road conditions are available through the PennDOT Home Page (Pendot Winter Travel).
PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT· Philadelphia International Airport says some airlines are offering fee waivers to change itineraries for booked travel in anticipation of the storm. If you’re planning to fly over the next couple of days - check with your airline for details. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT Philadelphia International Airport FLIGHT DELAYS CALL 800-PHL-GATE or go tohttps://www.phl.org/
PECO· PECO cautions motorists to be extra careful in their commute and urges anyone who experiences problems with electric or natural gas service to call PECO immediately at 1-800-841-4141. The company said customers should not assume PECO knows when their service is interrupted, and it can be more effective in restoring service if more customers call to report their problem.· If the snow and gusty winds causes any power lines to fall, the lines should be considered live and dangerous. PECO warns everyone to stay away from downed power lines, which will be prioritized for repair.· Heavier snow can accumulate around natural gas meters. If this materializes, PECO advises suburban gas customers to clear away the snow from their outdoor meter. Brush the snow away; do not use a shovel. The snow can cover the meter’s regulator vent and block gas service.
PGW· As for PGW f you smell gas or have an unsafe condition, please call (215) 235-1212 immediately.
SEPTA·WWW.SEPTA.ORG select System Status.
HOMELESS OUTREACH
The Office of Homeless Services Code Blue declaration when temperatures are below freezing. Throughout the Code Blue, Philadelphia's homeless outreach teams will patrol the streets in greater numbers, urging homeless people to come to local shelters. People do not need ID to enter Code Blue shelters or cafes from the street, and they can remain indoors throughout the duration of the Code Blue. If you are concerned about someone who is homeless, please call the Outreach Coordination Center at 215-232-1984 at any time. Outreach is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. First responders can also transport people to shelter for their own safety.
PET SAFETY
Citizens should contact the ACCT Philly hotline(267-385-3800) if they observe a dog or other pet outside during extreme cold. It is against City ordinance to leave dogs outside in extreme cold without proper shelter, and owners can be fined up to $500.
POWER OUTAGES- Be Prepared (Courtesy PHL OEM)
Store 72 hours of non-perishable food and water, (like cereal or anything in cans, boxes, bags or jars, not the snowstorm staple of bread, milk, and eggs). Also, as our animal-advocate partners Red Paw Relief teamremind us, “what you do for yourself, do for your pets! Be sure to have 72 hours worth of food, supplies & water for them as well.”Have a flashlight, battery operated AM/FM radio, and spare batteries found in a Shelter-in-Place kitfor easy access.Keep your cell phone fully charged before the storm.Travel by SEPTA?Stay up-to-date on delays and service interruptions.Do not use candles for emergency lighting.They become a fire hazard.Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed tight as most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely for several hours. An unopened fridge can keep food at the proper temperature for about 4 hours. A freezer will keep food safe for approximately 48 hours if full (24 hours if half full) if door remains closed.Turn off or disconnect appliancesand other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.If you are considering a generator to power your property, consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing. Never run a generator inside you home or enclosed area like a garage.High Wind
High winds can cause hazardous conditions. L&I wants both property owners and those on construction sites to be aware of dangers associated with high winds. Secure loose objects, including; trashcans, recycling containers, patio furniture, and outdoor signage at business properties or construction sites. When sustained winds reach 40 MPH, a High Wind Warning is issued by the National Weather Service. A cause for concern is that objects are propelled into people or property and also become a danger to vehicular or bike traffic.Construction sites. During high wind events, L&I urges construction sites to use extreme caution and secure loose materials, especially those on the upper floors of buildings under construction. Temporary fencing, signage and tarps at constructions sites must be lashed or otherwise secured.Power Outages
Know what to havein your head, your hands, and in your home if the lights go dim.Reporting power outages and downed trees.Philadelphia’s power utility company PECO has ways to help before, during, and after a storm, including; preventing outages,storm readiness, storm restoration process, reporting outages online, andtracking current outages.Street light outage? Call Philadelphia’s non-emergency number 3-1-1. Street lights in the city of Philadelphia are owned and maintained by the city.Have a tree emergency? Philadelphia Parks and Recreationsays if a tree falls during a storm and it’s a safety issue: if it’s blocking a road, or has fallen on a house, car or other property, call 911. For non-emergency tree requests, please submit a request through Philly311. In the event that a tree has fallen on electrical wires, please call PECO’s emergency line: 1-800-841-4141. Do not approach.Check on your neighbors, especially those who are more vulnerable with mobility issues, access and functional needs, or food insecurity.Watch travelling in the dark. Due to diminished visibility, be aware of downed trees and wires. Assume every wire is live. Look for tripping hazards.