Snow Removal Operations Continue

What We Are Doing

The Department of Public Works (DPW) continues snow removal operations in Cambridge, and is working with the MBTA on clearing bus stops. Over the next few nights, DPW will conduct night-time snow removal operations, working with Cambridge Police to direct traffic as needed for safety.  We sincerely apologize for the noise these operations may cause, but it is necessary as we work to move significant piles of snow to designated areas of the city.

Several streets are still posted with temporary no parking signs.  As DPW clears these streets, signage will be removed. 

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Boston area set a new record for the snowiest seven-day period with 40.2 inches. The previous record was 31.2 inches in 1996.

For Friday trash collection, we are operating on a modified schedule.  Recycling will be collected on Friday as scheduled, but trash will be collected on Saturday.  For more information on this, call Public Works at 617.349.4800. 

What You Can Do

Property owners are asked to do the best they can under current conditions to clear sidewalks, corner crossings, catch basins and help clear hydrants.

We realize parking is challenging, but please note that any vehicle parked so far from the curb as to obstruct the safe flow of traffic is subject to ticketing and towing.

Please see information below from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency regarding potential threat of roof collapse.

MEMA INFORMATION ABOUT THE THREAT OF ROOF COLLAPSE
Additional Snow Buildup Can Present Dangers

FRAMINGHAM, MA – “With the threat of approaching storms, additional snow can add weight and stress to the roofs of structures if not cleared. Also, for areas that get rain, the dry, fluffy snow piled on roofs can act as a sponge, absorbing any additional sleet and rain,” says Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz. “Flat, commercial roofs are most susceptible if they are not draining properly.”

To minimize the risk of over-stressing a building roof due to accumulated or drifting snow:

• Be on the alert for large accumulating snow build-up or snowdrifts on your roofs.

• If roof snow can be removed, from the ground, with the use of a snow rake (available at most hardware stores), do so. Use caution, as metal snow rakes conduct electricity if they come into contact with a power line. Protective headgear and eye protection is recommended.

• Try to avoid working from ladders, as ladder rungs tend to ice up. Snow and ice collect on boot soles, and metal ladders.

• Flat roofs can be shoveled clear, but only if it is determined that the roof is safe to stand upon. Exercise care when on the roof to avoid potentially dangerous falls.

• Flat roof drainage systems should be kept clear to minimize the risk of excess roof ponding in the event of subsequent heavy rainfall or melting.

• Large icicles can form on roof overhangs, but do not necessarily mean ice damming is occurring. Icicles overhanging doorways and walkways can be dangerous and should be carefully removed.

• All of the suggested actions should only be performed by able-bodied adults, as the snow is heavy, and roofs and other surfaces may be slippery. If you are unable to safely remove the snow yourself, hire a qualified professional.

For additional information about MEMA, go to www.mass.gov/mema . Also, follow MEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA ; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA ; and YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA . Massachusetts Alerts: to receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for additional information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp .