For Immediate Release

Monday, Jan. 26, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-865-4110

**SNOW EMERGENCY**

Gloucester Issues Parking Ban

No School Tuesday

GLOUCESTER — Police Chief Leonard Campanello reports that the coming winter storm is very likely to significantly impact the city of Gloucester. Heavy and prolonged snow and very strong winds will bring about power outages and flooding, and they will make our streets dangerous and impassable for a significant period of time.

Gloucester Police, Gloucester Fire and Gloucester Emergency Management will be opening an Emergency Operations Center this evening through Wednesday morning to coordinate emergency planning and response.

As noted in a Code Red message sent to residents, there is NO SCHOOL tomorrow and a decision will be forthcoming on whether school will be open on Wednesday as the storm progresses.

There is a Parking Ban in effect from 5 p.m. MONDAY to 1 p.m. WEDNESDAY. This may be adjusted if possible, but as of now, any vehicle parked on a public street during those times will be subject to tagging and towing.

School parking lots and municipal lots will be open to accommodate vehicles but you are responsible for digging out around your car. If school opens on Wednesday, the vehicles will need to removed by 6 a.m. Wednesday. If not, they will need to be removed by 1 p.m.

There will be no trash collection Tuesday.

All City events, including school sports and meetings are cancelled from 8 p.m. tonight through 3 p.m. Wednesday.

The Department of Public Works will be working continuously to keep streets cleared. Keep in mind this storm will very likely overcome even the best efforts by DPW and that major roads will be a priority first followed by secondary roadways.

If long-term sheltering is needed, contact the Red Cross. If short term warming stations are needed in an emergency, Addison Gilbert Hospital will have its café open, the Police Station will be available, as well as several other locations throughout the City.

“We crucially need the residents cooperation during this storm in terms of parking and staying off the roadways,” Chief Campanello said. “Do not travel during this storm until it is safe to do so. If you have an emergency, contact 911. We want safety to be our first priority.”

Chief Campanello also urges residents to please check on their neighbors, especially if they are seniors or housebound and please try to keep sidewalks clear.

Do not shovel snow into the roadway as this impedes clearing operation. Violators will be fined.

If you experience a power outage, contact National Grid at 1-800-465-1212. If you experience a natural gas issue please contact them at 1-800-640-1595.

If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Gloucester Police at  978-283-1212. Please stay safe and indoors during this dangerous storm.

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