Snow Emergency Lifted

• If your vehicle has been towed from a snow emergency route, please call 3-1-1 for the location.
• Trash and recycling collection suspended for Monday, Dec. 27. Residents with regular Monday trash and recycling collection should hold their trash until next week for regular pickup on Monday, Jan. 3. 
• Residents with rear driveway collection on Tuesday through Friday should place their trash and recycling in front of their homes for pickup. Rear trash collection will resume next week.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Melting Snow May Form Ice, Salt Your Sidewalk

The Philadelphia Department of Streets recommends the following salting tips:

• Any commercial de-icer is acceptable for salting your sidewalk or driveway.
• Salt should be applied as soon as a light accumulation has developed on the surface. This will break the bond between subsequent accumulations and the pavement, thereby making it easier to shovel. A final light application may be required after removal to melt the remaining residual snow.
• During a sleet or freezing rain storm, de-icing of sidewalks and driveways will require multiple applications as dictated by the actual conditions.
• Be conscious of the environment. Use de-icing salts sparingly. One pound can be used to cover 100 to 200 square feet. For example, 30 to 60 feet of sidewalk with a width of three feet can be treated at this rate. The material can be spread manually or with the help of simple equipment such as lawn seed and fertilizer spreaders. If spreaders are used, they should be rinsed out once the application is completed.
• Kitty litter can also be used to generate temporary traction.

Snow Emergency for Philadelphia

Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced today that the City has declared a Snow Emergency as of 2 p.m. today. To coordinate the City’s snow emergency response, the Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Sunday  at 12 p.m. 

Mayor Nutter said, “With many people traveling home after the Christmas holiday, we expect heavier than normal traffic on Sunday.  We urge travelers to get an early start on Sunday morning and to refrain from driving during the height of the storm.  By keeping the roads clear from traffic, will allow our crews to do an effective job of plowing the snow.  If you must travel and for fans going to the Eagles game on Sunday, we urge you to use public transportation.”

All vehicles parked on Snow Emergency Routes must be moved to alternate parking locations. Vehicles remaining on Snow Emergency Routes during the declared Snow Emergency will be ticketed and the City will begin towing vehicles starting at  2 p.m. A list of snow emergency routes is attached and can also be found at http://www.phila.gov/streets/Snow_Emergency.html.

Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson stated that Streets Department crews will apply a brine solution to area roadways. Salt crews and equipment will be deployed throughout the City to respond to the precipitation. Crews will remain on duty to monitor roadways and to respond to problem locations and emergencies.

“Streets Department crews were readying equipment and resources on Christmas day. These crews will be working to remove snow in a timely manner,” said Commissioner Tolson. “So that our crews can do an effective job, it’s important for motorists not to park cars illegally. We remind everyone that plowing snow from private lots on to public streets will hamper our ability to clear roads, especially on some of the smaller streets in South Philadelphia,” said Streets Commissioner Tolson. “We need your cooperation to so that our snow removal efforts will go smoothly and be effective.”

Prepare for the winter weather with 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 36” 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.  
• De-icer 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.   
• Clear snow from neighborhood storm drains to allow melting snow to drain. Make sure firefighters will have easy access to fire hydrants by clearing snow around the hydrants. 
• Check on sick and elderly neighbors.  
• Bring your pets indoors.

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 the Streets Department online at www.phila.gov/streets.

The City’s Code Blue remains in effect to provide additional support to the homeless.  If you see a homeless person in need of assistance, please call the Homeless Outreach Coordination Center at 215-232-1984.

Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity and Health Commissioner Donald Schwarz reminds Philadelphians to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their neighbors from injuries and accidents common in winter weather:

• Warm up with some stretching exercises inside. 
• Start slowly and pace yourself. Shovel no more than five loads a minute; don't shovel for more than 15 minutes without taking a break. Pause to stretch every five minutes by standing up straight. Don't feel the job has to get done in one session. 
• Push the snow. Don't lift. If you must lift, use your legs not your back.  
• Drink during breaks to avoid dehydration.  
• Never throw over your shoulder. Twisting can strain the back.  
• Dress warmly in layers with a hat. Cover your neck.  
• Take smaller scoops of snow, keeping them light and small.  
• Take a break if you're beginning to sweat. Bodies lose heat faster in damp clothes, which makes you more prone to injury.
•  Don't smoke or eat a heavy meal before shoveling. It's harder on the heart.
•  Don't hold your breath; this makes your heart rate and blood pressure rise  
• In an emergency, call a doctor, or 911 for a medic unit, or go to an emergency room. Until medical help arrives, protect someone suffering from exposure to the cold with extra blankets and clothing.

Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management Liam O’Keefe encourages Philadelphians to stay tuned to local media for updates. You can also visit the Office of Emergency Management’s website to sign up for emergency alerts, weather updates and transportation delays from ReadyNotifyPA, and follow OEM on our social media sites, all of which are available on the OEM website at www.phila.gov/ready.

Winter Storm Warning

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, NJ. issued a Winter Storm Warning from 7 a.m. Sunday until 1 p.m. Monday. High winds and heavy snow are expected with accumulations of eight to 12 inches. Travel is strongly discouraged due to blowing and drifting snow with greatly reduced visibility. If you must travel, visit the Winter Weather page for information on Winter Driving and the necessary items for a Vehicle Emergency Kit. Should you get stranded, remember to stay with your vehicle.

If a snow emergency is declared, cars parked on snow emergency routes must be removed. If your car is towed, call 215-686-SNOW for its location. Do NOT call 9-1-1. A list of snow emergency routes can be found at http://www.phila.gov/streets/Snow.html.  

Prepare for the winter weather with 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. 
• Bring your pets indoors.

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.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Give the Gift of Preparedness This Holiday

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has assembled a list of gift ideas for the holidays to help keep your family and friends prepared.

The most important thing any individual can do is take a few minutes to discuss with their family, friends and loved ones what they will do in the case of an emergency or disaster. This includes developing a simple family communications plan and identifying how you would get in touch with loved ones and where you might meet if you are separated when an emergency or disaster takes place.

Additionally, there are simple supplies that can go a long way in the case of an emergency or disaster that would make great gifts this holiday season.

• Disaster kits for homes, offices and autos (first aid kits; food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours; i.e., extra clothing, blankets, and flashlights).
• NOAA weather radios with extra batteries. 
• Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class. 
• Fire extinguishers (for kitchen, garage, car, etc.) 
• Foldable ladders for second-story escape in a fire. 
• Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags). 
• Pet Disaster kits (food, water, leashes, dishes and carrying case or crate). 
• Battery powered lamps

This year, consider at least one of these ideas.  You just may save the life of a friend or family member.

Winter Weather Safety Announcement

Watch the report from 6 ABC Action News

Read the report from KYW Newsradio 1060AM: City Hall Offers Tips For Dealing With Cold And Snow

The City of Philadelphia’s Managing Director Richard Negrin and Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers highlighted a number of winter weather safety initiatives, reminders and tips for the public. They were joined by Donna Palmieri of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter and officials from the Office of Emergency Management (OEO), Licenses & Inspections (L&I), Health, Streets and Water departments in providing information on available emergency resources, including shelters, 3-1-1 call center hours, fire and plumbing safety tips and a reminder about a recently passed City Ordinance requiring residents to shovel sidewalks in front of their properties.

“Last year, Philadelphians were faced with some of the worst winter weather our city has experienced in a century. However, Philadelphians are resilient. They helped their neighbors and worked together. Our city employees quickly and efficiently got snow off the streets,” said Rich Negrin. “We want Philadelphians to be aware of available services across the city in the case of extreme winter weather.”

Donna Palmieri, COO and interim CEO of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter said “We work closely with the Mayor’s office and the Office of Emergency Management to make sure immediate and emergency needs are met. When necessary, Red Cross shelters are critical to helping people keep warm when their power goes out, there’s been a fire, or some other issue where heat isn’t available. The Red Cross provides blankets, hot drinks, shoes, clothing, and in some cases, a place to sleep.”

The following details were announced today:

• Approximately 350 beds will be available at emergency shelters across Philadelphia. The public can learn more about shelter locations and hours by contacting Project HOME at 215-232-1984 or by calling 3-1-1. 
• For information about services that are available to the elderly, the public is asked to call the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging help line at 215-765-9040 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  
• The Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) urges the public to use caution with using heating equipment, electrical wiring and fireplaces. To learn more about fire safety tips, the public can go to the department’s website www.freedomefromfire.com or call 215-686-1382. The PFD will continue to provide free smoke alarms to residents. To obtain a free smoke alarm, residents are asked to call 215-686-1176. 
• To report leaks in City streets or sidewalks that could potentially create slippery conditions or to learn about plumbing safety tips, the public is asked to call the Philadelphia Water Department’s 24-hour water emergency hotline at 215-685-6300. 
• DHS would like to inform families regarding safe co-sleeping with babies and infants. Infants should sleep in a heated room in a crib or bassinet free from pillows, blankets or clutter. Co-sleeping can augment the danger of suffocation. 
• A City Ordinance that was recently passed mandates residents and business owners shovel a minimum 36-inch wide path on the sidewalk in front of their properties within six hours of a snowstorm.

3-1-1 Call Center operators are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. to provide additional winter weather safety information.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Fire Proof Your Tree with this Recipe

The Philadelphia Fire Department recommends placing your live tree in a special mixture to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Start by mixing the following ingredients in a five gallon bucket.

• 2 gallons of hot water.
• 2 cups of Karo syrup.
• 2 ounces of liquid chlorine bleach.
• 2 pinches of Epsom Salt.
• 1/2 teaspoon of Borax.
• 1 teaspoon of chelated iron.

Make a fresh cut one inch from the bottom of the tree and place it in this mixture for 24 hours. Then place the tree in its stand and add this mixture. Remember to top it off each day.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Be Fire Safe This Holiday Season

Watch Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers demonstrate the proper way to select, prepare and maintain a fresh cut tree.

Each year, during the Holiday Season, the Philadelphia Fire Department promotes "Holiday Fire Safety" to educate citizens regarding the proper care and disposal of Christmas trees. The University of Pennsylvania donated 20,000 tree tags that firefighters will distribute to tree lots throughout the city. These tree tags provide the following information on the proper maintenance of a live Christmas tree:

• Make a fresh cut 1-inch from the base of the tree.
• Place the tree firmly in the stand with plenty of room for water.
• Check the water level daily and add if needed.
• Check electrical cords for wear, and outlets for overloading.
• Never leave a lighted tree unattended.
• Don't let the tree block exits or stairs.
• Keep the tree away from portable heaters and other heat sources.
• The tree should be free of ornaments and decorations before disposal.

For more information on how to stay safe this Holiday Season, visit the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management.

Tis the Season, Start Volunteering

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, along with the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based Initiative (MOFI), actively seeks partnerships with faith- and community-based facilities throughout the City of Philadelphia for the Emergency Rest Center (ERC) Program.
 
Emergency Rest Centers are locations made available to residents for a temporary place of refuge in times of emergency. They are not designed to become a sleeping facility or a source of meals. This program intends to establish a series of ERCs throughout all seven Police Divisions of the City to provide a place of rest, basic first-aid and hydration, as well as a means of communication for evacuees. Those interested in participating are asked to fill out the ERC Participation Form.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Develop a Shelter in Place Kit

If there is a bad storm this winter, you might not be able to leave the house for a few days. Make sure you have enough food, water and medications for three days. Remind everyone in your household that these supplies are for emergencies only.

Items for Your Shelter in Place Kit:

• One gallon of drinking water per person per day for three days.
• Food that will not easily perish; ready-to-eat foods.
• Manual can opener and eating utensils.
• First-aid kit.
• Flashlight.
• AM/FM Radio.
• Extra batteries.
• Phone that does not rely on electricity.
• Whistle - to signal for help.
• Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach and an eyedropper (Disinfect water only if directed to do so by health officials. To disinfect water with bleach, add 8 drops of bleach per gallon of water.)
• Personal hygiene items (hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper and wipes.)
• Child care supplies.
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape.

Also consider other supplies and equipment based on your special needs, such as:

• Back-up medical equipment (glasses, oxygen, scooter battery, mobility aids, hearing aids and batteries).
• Supplies for pets and service animals.