In front of snow plows and a 600-ton mound of salt on Monday, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu thanked city employees, especially first responders and those directly in charge of public works, for their efforts in laying the groundwork for a safe winter.
“Boston is ready,” Wu said at a press conference. “We know that winter can be quite unpredictable these days. Here in our city, you have to be ready for a major snowstorm, or you have to be ready for flooding at any moment’s notice.”
The mayor said the city prepares months in anticipation of snow and extreme cold weather. The city has approximately 32,000 tons of salt and 175 pieces of snow-clearing equipment, as well as 800 additional pieces from contractors ready, for deployment if necessary.
She advised Bostonians to be aware of those around them and to assist anyone who may appear disoriented or not dressed for the weather.
Nick Gove, Boston’s interim chief of streets, said the roadway treatments have already been launched to ensure road safety for all Bostonians traveling during the cold and icy winter ahead.
“Winter weather pulls our employees away from the regular jobs and their families,” Gove said. “We work long hours, often in the middle of the night, to keep our roadways safe and clear. The city is very fortunate to have a dedicated, highly skilled and experienced team to do this work.”
He also asked residents to be patient in the case of extreme weather, as plows get to main roads first and then to others as fast as possible. Bostonians are also in charge of cleaning sidewalks.
“Snow and ice season is a team effort,” Gove said at the press conference. “The city of Boston is ready for whatever winter brings.”
Matthew Kearney, deputy chief of emergency management, advised residents to sign up for AlertBoston, a service which provides information on emergency conditions.
Housing and heat are also crucial during the cold winter months, said Tania Del Rio, commissioners of the inspectional services department, and Sheila Dillon, chief of housing.
Del Rio reminded tenants and property owners to ensure their heating systems are working properly and set to the required temperatures.
She also advised Bostonians to never use grills, stoves, or other devices for indoor heating, and ensure that exterior vents are clear of snow.
Cold temperatures also put vulnerable populations at risk. Additional services and housing is available for homeless individuals to keep them out of the cold.
“Our shelter system has 1,250 beds and spaces available for our homeless individuals, and to add additional capacity, many of our local shelters have added approximately 150 additional beds and spaces for cold and nights where the weather is bad and we expect larger population to use them,” Dillion said.
Brianna Millor, chief of community engagement, said neighborhood liaisons make calls to local organizations, such as senior centers and non-profit organizations, to make them aware of the services the city provides. She encouraged residents to contact their liaison or the 311 line if they need support or notice damage due to extreme weather, yet she asked for patience in case of winter weather.
“Boston, you know the drill,” she said.
Katarina Schmeiszer can be reached at katarina.schmeiszer@globe.com. Follow her on X at @katschmeiszer.
