City of Salem Launches Snow Emergency Central Webpage & Call for Shovelers

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

City of Salem Launches Snow Emergency Central Webpage & Call for Shovelers

The City of Salem has once again launched the Snow Emergency Central webpage on Salem.com – a comprehensive online directory for information related to snow emergencies and winter storms in Salem.

The webpage (http://www.salem.com/Pages/snow/index) can be accessed directly by clicking on the Snow Emergency Central icon located in the upper right hand corner of the Salem.com homepage.

Snow Emergency Central provides information on the following snow emergency and winter storm related resources:

• Current Snow Emergency Details
• Snow Emergency CodeRed Alert System Sign-Ups
• List of Snow Emergency Parking Locations (full lot listing and interactive map)
• 2014-2015 Snow Emergency Downloadable Brochure
• Salem Snow Shoveling Assistance Program (for elderly, infirmed, or disabled residents)
• Salem Snow Shoveling Brigade
• SeeClickFix Winter Service Requests
• Snow Emergency Frequently Asked Questions
• Snow Rules and Regulations (for shoveling, plowing, and clearing of sidewalks, driveways, hydrants and catch basins)
• Winter Sand Acquisition

The City of Salem will also be working to try to clear snow from downtown crosswalks in a timely fashion this winter season. To that end, the City is seeking individuals interested in signing up for compensated work shoveling these critical pedestrian access points.

Those interested in signing up should visit the Salem Human Resources Office, 120 Washington Street, 4^th floor, and bring a photo ID. The office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.

City ordinances require all private property owners to remove snow and ice from their own bordering sidewalks within six hours after the snow stops falling or the City’s blue snow emergency lights are turned off, whichever time is later. If the snow stops falling and the emergency lights are turned off in the nighttime, the snow must be removed by noon the following day. Failure to do can result in fines from $25 to $100. While the City makes every effort to clear its pedestrian ways as soon feasible after a storm, it is important for property owners to clear their own sidewalks, as well. This will help prevent children, the elderly, and the general public from having to walk in the street.

The City of Salem also offers a Snow Shoveling Assistance Program to help elderly and infirmed residents connect with available shovelers in their neighborhood. Details about the program are available at http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_DPW/snowprogram.

The City of Salem has once again launched the Snow Emergency Central webpage on Salem.com – a comprehensive online directory for information related to snow emergencies and winter storms in Salem.