City of Gloucester Snow Update

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-865-4110

City of Gloucester Snow Update

GLOUCESTER — Police Chief Leonard Campanello and the Gloucester Police Department would like to update residents with the latest information in the aftermath of two major snowstorms.

Below you will find important information from the City and School Department regarding the recent storms. Please keep in mind that, although the current parking ban has been lifted, vehicles impeding snow removal may be tagged or towed at the owners expense to insure that roadways are clear. Also, there are several forecasts that indicate two storms coming by the end of this week into early next week. This will further impact the City. It is extremely important that we cooperate to clear the streets and sidewalks. It is also important that we maintain patience and cooperation with our neighbors as we are all in this together. Thank you for your continuing understanding of this unprecedented series of storms and the issues they create.

 Message from Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken:

In the past week, the City of Gloucester has seen an historic amount of snow. Fifty-two inches have fallen in our City in a short period of time.

Over the past week, City employees have logged hours of over and above their normal work week, plowed 175 miles of roadways and dropped an estimated 2,000 tons of salt on the roads. The Department of Public Works, the Police and Fire Departments deserve significant credit for their hard work, and I thank them for it.

As a result, I am pleased to report that the City of Gloucester was only majorly impacted for a short period of time and is continuing to deliver the usual and necessary services its citizens rely on.

State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante and State Senator Bruce Tarr have provided invaluable support to this City. They have assisted us in contacting a number of Departments and Agencies within state government and continue to work with them on our behalf.

While we have made some progress in snow removal and getting the City up and running, there is much work left to be done. In the coming days, the City will continue its efforts to widen roadways, remove snow, open schools, and deliver important services.

Your patience and cooperation during this time is critically important. I would urge all citizens to consider the following:

•  Be courteous and help each other out
• Be cautious and drive slowly
• Held alleviate traffic around schools by carpooling whenever possible
• Watch for pedestrians and children when you are driving
• Be careful when shoveling and try to avoid injury; and
• Be safe

As always, public safety remains the City’s top priority. It is critically important that all emergency vehicles be able to access all roadways. Please help them out by not shoveling snow into the roadways, as that may cause the roads to become difficult to pass.

Remember, your City government is here to serve you. I welcome any questions or concerns that you might have. Should you need to contact me or any City department, please visit the City website, www.gloucester-ma-gov.

Thank you.

Message from Supt. Richard Safier:

With respect to school being back in session, the snow banks and other conditions brought about by the amount of snow is not going to go away anytime soon, even with the tremendous efforts of the City and the DPW. Therefore, everyone must take extra precautions when sending or bringing their children to school. We recommend carpooling where possible in order to cut down on the number of cars entering into and leaving school lots. Please make sure that you take whatever time is needed to ensure that your children arrive safely at school. Buses will do their best to arrive at stops on time, and they have been asked to stop to pick up walkers if they are walking to the school where the bus is headed. Please remind your children not to cross streets between snow banks as oncoming traffic may not see them and to use the utmost caution. 

Message from the Gloucester Police Department:

The Police Departments offer the following tips:

• Never use your oven as a heat source
• Do not use electric or space heaters while sleeping.
• Keep electric or space heaters at least three feet away from bedding or combustible materials.
• Keep stocks of batteries on hand for radios and flashlights in case of a power outage.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Beware of carbon monoxide and stay safe by: never warming up your car in the garage, serving your heating system at least once per year, and making sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and change batteries twice per year. Make sure smoke detectors are working on every floor of your home.

During the coldest days, parents are reminded to dress students warmly, in layers, with hats on and exposed skin covered. However, make sure the clothing does not obstruct your child’s visibility as they are crossing the street.

When the snow falls, you can help the Gloucester Fire Department by shoveling out your nearest fire hydrants. Also ensure that your home or business sidewalks are properly shoveled, and place salt or ice melt to prevent people from falling.

When shoveling snow or walking outside for more than a few minutes, dress appropriately, with exposed skin covered, and wear a hat and gloves. Frostbite and strike quickly when temperatures are this low. Also, Do not consume too much caffeine before or during shoveling, avoid getting wet, and take frequent breaks.

ALWAYS clear the tailpipe of a vehicle that is buried in snow BEFORE you start or warm up the vehicle. Failure to do so may be deadly for those inside the vehicle.

Utilities in Gloucester 

National Grid Electric: 800-322-3223

National Grid (gas): 800-233-5325

If you live in a rental unit, heat should be set at a minimum of 68 degrees during the day and 64 degrees overnight. Residents should attempt to resolve any heating problems with their landlords, but may call Gloucester Inspectional Services at 978-281-9774 if there are unresolvable problems,

To avoid frozen pipes, allow warm water to drip overnight in faucets, ideally from a faucet that is on exterior wall. You may also want to leave cabinet doors open to allow heat to reach pipes that are not insulated.

If the Police Department 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.

###