CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICES CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC WEDNESDAY, MANAGING DIRECTOR TO DECLARE SECOND SNOW EMERGENCY

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Philadelphia, February 9, 2010 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced today that in anticipation of the winter storm emergency expected on Wednesday, all City offices will be closed to the public on Wednesday, February 10, 2010, including all recreation centers, libraries and health centers.  The City of Philadelphia will direct its efforts to ensuring that our roads and highways are cleared of snow and public safety and well-being is preserved.  City of Philadelphia employees who are not required to work on the snow removal efforts or required to ensure public safety, are strongly encouraged to not report to work tomorrow, to aid in the City’s snow-removal efforts.  

Mayor Nutter made the announcement in City Hall attended by City Council President Anna C. Verna, representatives from the School District of Philadelphia, SEPTA, Philadelphia International Airport, the First Judicial District, the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

All School District of Philadelphia schools, administrative and regional offices will be closed tomorrow.

The First Judicial District will be closed tomorrow.

SEPTA services are expected to be operational Wednesday morning, but service reductions and/or closure are expected.  Check local media for updates.

In addition, on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 9:00 pm Managing Director Camille C. Barnett will declare a snow emergency.  All vehicles parked on Snow Emergency Routes must be moved to an alternate parking location by 9:00p.m.  Any vehicle remaining on a Snow Emergency Route during the declared Snow Emergency will be ticketed and towed. If your car is towed, call 215-686-SNOW for its location. Do NOT call 911.  A list of snow emergency routes can be found at www.phila.gov/streets.

“Drivers are urged, again, to avoid unnecessary travel, but if you must travel, allow extra time and drive cautiously during this snow emergency,” said Director Barnett.

The Streets Department’s main goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free to ice and snow.  Roadways will continue to be treated throughout the storm until after precipitation stops and roads are clear.

Over 480 pieces of equipment are expected to be deployed as soon as there is a treatable snowfall, and approximately 18,000 tons of salt are available to be used on city roadways.

In preparation for the snow, Streets Department crews began Tuesday applying a brine solution – a treatment process to prevent icing – to high elevation, hilly streets.  Over 600 City operational staff are expected to be utilized during the storm and remain on duty through Wednesday and Thursday to monitor roadways.  “We are asking residents to be patient as we continue to fight against the last storm.

As the next one comes in, we don’t know what to expect, but we’ll be prepared for the worst.”  said Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson.

For successful snow and ice management, Streets Commissioner Tolson urges residents to follow these tips:

• Apply any commercial de-icer on steps and sidewalks early to prevent residual moisture from freezing over and creating icy conditions.
• Clear a sidewalk path at least 30” wide within 6 hours of the end of the storm as listed in the Philadelphia Code (10-720).
• Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.
• Be conscious of the environment – use de-icing salts only as much as needed. One pound of de-icer can cover 100 to 200 square feet.
• Salt should be applied as soon as a light accumulation has developed on the surface. This will break the bond between additional accumulations and the pavement surface, and will make it easier to shovel.
• A final light application of a de-icer may be required after removal is completed to melt the residual snow.
• Make sure you park your car as far away from the corner as possible. Cars parked too close to the corner limit the turning radius of salting vehicles.  
• Stay tuned to local media for further updates.
• Check on sick and elderly neighbors.

Trash and recycling collection will be cancelled for those areas that have Wednesday pickup.  The schedule for the rest of the week is to be determined.  The Streets Department urges residents to hold on to their trash and recycling until further notice.  

In anticipation of predictions for another heavy snow storm, Philadelphia Parking Authority Executive Director Vince Fenerty announced that beginning today at 5:00 PM and running through Friday morning at 7:00 AM, the PPA will offer a “special 24 hour flat snow rate of $5.00 for parking in all of the PPA’s center city garages.”

The special $5.00 “snow rate” for 24 hours of parking will go into effect today at 5:00 PM and be in effect all day Wednesday, Thursday and ending Friday morning at 7:00 AM in the following center city garages owned/operated by the PPA:

• Gateway Parking at 16th & Vine
• AutoPark at JFK (16th & JFK)  
• AutoPark at Independence Mall (5th & Market)
• AutoPark at Jefferson (10th & Ludlow)
• AutoPark at Gallery Mall (10th & Filbert)
• 8th & Filbert
• Old City at 2nd and Samson

“During this pending snow emergency, we are pleased to work with Mayor Michael Nutter to encourage people to act now and park their vehicles in garages,” Fenerty said.

To report a street in need of salting or plowing or for more information on any Streets Department program or service, call 3-1-1. You may also visit us online at www.phila.gov/streets/Snow.html 

Luke Butler

Deputy Press Secretary

Office of Mayor Nutter

Cell: 267 438 7119

Office: 215 686 6210