Winter's First Blast - Stay Safe
5 Winter Safety Tips for the Ward
Old Man Winter is giving us a taste of his wintery bluster and what we can expect as the weather gets colder; which means it’s important that we all do our part to keep the ward safe for everyone.
Below are steps we can take to get through this first storm of the season.
5 Ways to Play It Safe
1. Shovel Your Sidewalks
City ordinances 23-13 through 23-17 layout the rules for homeowners and business owners in the city regarding snow removal: “Property owners are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, catch basins, fire hydrants and pedestrian ramps adjacent to their property. The city can fine property owners who do not clear adjacent sidewalks of snow. This is a public safety issue and is the responsibility of the property owners.” You can also report un-shoveled sidewalks at PVD 3-1-1. Simply dial 3-1-1 to call; or create an online account to submit requests and complaints.
2. Report Power Outages & Downed Power Lines
This first snow is a little heavy, which means tree limbs and power lines may be down. NEVER touch a downed power line they could still be live and dangerous. To report an outage or downed power lines, please contact National Grid.
3. Dig Out Fire Hydrants
Fires often happen during colder weather due to improper use of space heaters. Winter fires can be deadly and dangerous, so if you have a hydrant in front of your house, please be sure to dig it out so that the fire department can access them in case of an emergency.
4. Move Your Car, Stay Off the Road
On street parking is banned during most snow storms. DPW asks that all residents move their cars off city streets to make it easier for them to quickly clear streets. Cars that aren’t moved when a snow parking ban is in place may be towed. If you find your car has been towed, call the Providence Police Department Central Station to locate it. And if you can, please stay at home. Icy roads can be dangerous, and the fewer cars on the roads, the faster the snow plows can clear and salt them.
5. Look in on Your Elderly and Sick Neighbors
During this snowy season, please check on your neighbors who cannot get around so easily to make sure they have heat, electricity and supplies to keep them safe and warm during the storm.
This is only our first storm of the season, so it’s important that we all do what we can to keep ourselves (and our Ward) safe during the storm.