Parking Ban Goes Into Effect at 7PM on Monday, Jan. 26, 2015; Emergency Operations Center to open Monday at 12PM; Recreation Centers closed
Ahead of a winter storm that is forecast to begin Monday afternoon and intensify to blizzard conditions through Monday night and in to Tuesday, Mayor Jorge O. Elorza is announcing a series of preparations to ensure public safety.
“As the City prepares to respond to this storm, I ask residents to comply with the parking ban and limit travel so that crews can plow,” said Mayor Elorza. “We are ready for this storm and we will be working around the clock to make sure that our City is safe and business returns to normal as soon as possible.”
A citywide parking ban will go into effect at 7pm on Monday, January 26. The parking ban will remain in effect until further notice. Residents with overnight parking passes are advised that they cannot park on the street during the duration of the citywide parking ban. All vehicles parked on the street in violation of the citywide parking ban will be ticketed and towed to ensure that roadways can be plowed.
All afterschool and evening activities for Providence Public Schools are canceled Monday. The Providence School Board meeting is also canceled. Parents should stay tuned throughout the storm for announcements regarding school closure. City Recreation Centers will be closed Monday as well.
The Department of Public Works has prepared all equipment and personnel to respond to the storm. Roadways will be pretreated ahead of expected snowfall on Monday, beginning with school bus routes. Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 12PM tomorrow. The EOC will be staffed around the clock throughout the duration of the snow response.
Snow is expected to begin Monday afternoon with significant escalation beginning Monday evening and continuing through the night and into the day on Tuesday. Residents should expect significant accumulation through the duration of the storm and plan accordingly. Cold temperatures and high winds are expected to accompany the snow.
A snow hotline is available to Providence residents beginning at 12PM tomorrow at 401-680-8080. Residents experiencing power outages should contact National Grid at 800-322-3223. Individuals are warned never to touch downed power lines and report downed lines to National Grid or PEMA. In the event of an emergency, always dial 911. Residents are advised that 911 emergency responders may be delayed during the storm.
If you see a person or a family in need, please do what you can to either lend a helping hand or notify the City. When we all pull together, we are capable of overcoming any challenge.
CANCELLATIONS
All afterschool and evening activities for Providence Public Schools are canceled Monday. The Providence School Board meeting is also canceled. City Recreation Centers will be closed Monday.
PARKING BAN
Citywide parking ban will be in effect from 7PM on Monday, January 26 until further notice. Cars in violation of the ban will be ticketed and towed to ensure that roadways can be plowed. Cars parked in school parking lots overnight will also be ticketed and towed.
BUSINESSES
The City is encouraging business to allow employees to work flexible hours to reduce travel during the storm’s escalation. Employees working evening shifts should be prepared for dangerous travel conditions beginning Monday evening. All non-essential employees are encouraged to prepare to work from home on Tuesday.
TAX COLLECTION
The City’s tax collection deadline will be extended without penalty or interest until Thursday, January 29. The Tax Collector and Tax Assessor’s office will remain open until 7pm on Thursday January 29 to accommodate residents’ schedules.
SNOW REMOVAL
Property owners are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, catch basins, fire hydrants and pedestrian ramps adjacent to their property within 8 hours after snow stops falling. Residents are asked to take care not to shovel snow onto roadways after streets have been plowed. Fines ranging from $20 to $500 will be imposed on residents not in compliance. For fire safety purposes, residents are urged not to rebury fire hydrants after they have been dug out.