Portland Officials Urge Residents to Prepare for & Stay Safe During Blizzard

Portland Officials Urge Residents

to Prepare for & Stay Safe During Blizzard

Citywide Parking Ban in effect Sunday and Monday nights:  10:00 PM Sunday, February 12 through 6:00 AM Monday, February 13

and again 10:00 PM Monday, February 13 through 6:00 AM Tuesday, February 14

No solid waste collection on Monday, February 13 so crews can focus on snow removal

February 13 Council Workshop Postponed

PORTLAND, Maine -- City of Portland officials are urging residents to take the impending winter storm seriously, pay attention to news and weather updates, finish making preparations today, and stay safe. A Blizzard Watch has been issued for Sunday afternoon and Monday along coastal areas, and travel is expected to be treacherous and not encouraged throughout the strongest periods of the storm. Snow is expected to start around 2:00 PM Sunday with heavy snow and strong winds overnight Sunday through late afternoon Monday. Forecasts are calling for 18-24 inches of snow. People should be prepared for the possibility of scattered power outages.

Given the existing amount of snowfall already on the ground and the amount of new snow expected, the City is implementing a Citywide Parking Ban from 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM on Sunday (2/12/17) and Monday (2/13/17) nights. During this ban, all vehicles left on city streets during these times can be towed at the owner’s expense. For more information on snow bans, click here.

There will be no solid waste collection on Monday, February 13 so crews can focus on snow removal operations. Collection will resume the following Monday, February 20.

The City Council workshop scheduled for Monday, February 13 at 5:30 PM has been postponed.

The City would like to remind residents of the following important winter storm messages:

• Sign up to receive email and text alerts at www.portlandmaine.gov/NotifyMe. Or follow the City on Facebook and Twitter.

• Public Works, Police, and Fire crews will be monitoring street widths and will post temporary no parking signs as needed in order to remove snow and widen streets. Motorists should adhere to these signs. Additionally, whenever possible, please do not park directly across from another car on narrow streets.

• To ensure safety at intersections and other locations where the snow banks are very high and impedes visibility, drivers should use extra caution to look for pedestrians and oncoming vehicles.

• Residents should remember their own safety when it comes to snow removal efforts. Make sure someone else knows where you are when shoveling. Please take frequent breaks and don't overextend yourself.

• Before you head indoors, take a walk around your home. Check to make sure your exterior vents for your hot water tanks, furnace and other heating appliances are clear of snow.

• Monitor the snow on the roof of your building, especially in areas of drifting snow. Any residents who choose to remove snow from their roofs themselves should use caution and follow proper safety protocols. Make sure someone is with you. Using a long handed snow rake is always preferred over using a ladder and getting on your roof.

• Clear all exterior exits from snow/ ice build-up.

• Remember to follow proper generator usage in case of a power outage.  

• Please check on any neighbors who may be elderly or physically challenged to ensure they are safe and warm.

• When a citywide parking ban is not in effect, residents should be mindful of the existing overnight parking rules that apply for on-street parking in off-peninsula neighborhoods. And whenever possible, residents should park off street.

• Residents are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property. Please keep your front walkways and sidewalks clear in the event emergency personnel need to get to your door. This also allows pedestrians and mail carriers to walk safely in your neighborhood. While it might take more time to do so after this storm, as space is tight, we appreciate your cooperation.

• The City has more than 2,000 fire hydrants and could use your help in shoveling them out. Fire personnel work to get to as many of these hydrants as possible, but your assistance with this effort will help keep you and your neighbors safe in the event of a fire.

• Check that carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are properly installed and replace the old batteries with new ones.

• Do not use your cooking stove or oven to heat your house.

For more information on winter operations, click here.