Mayor Galvin: Woburn is Ready for the Snow Storm

Woburn Mayor Scott Galvin met with a core group of City officials Thursday, and says the city is well prepared for what could turn out to be an historic winter storm, a news release on the City of Woburn web site states.

“The forecasters are calling for a lot of snow in a short period of time,” said Galvin. “Our plow and sand crews are ready, we’ve increased public safety personnel and stand ready to respond to whatever conditions come our way.”

There is also an emergency parking ban in effect starting at 6 a.m. this morning and ending at noon on Sunday, Feb. 10. The ban means no on-street parking, either side of the street, during this time period.

Residents with questions about alternative parking options should call Woburn Police at 781-933-1212.

Woburn Police Chief Robert Ferullo and Woburn Fire Chief Paul Tortolano, and Woburn DPW Superintendent Jay Duran report assembling additional resources, including sanders and plows, extra traffic units, extra ambulance and a limited emergency center that will be operated out the new dispatch area, the release states.

Residents and businesses, who are able, are asked to help with the clearing of fire hydrants and drains covered and blocked by snow.

“As roads are plowed, fire hydrants become blocked by mounds of snow which makes access difficult and delays the use of the hydrant,” said Fire Chief Tortolano.

"Also, don’t forget that safe sidewalks benefit the entire community," the release states.

The same request is asked of businesses and residents when it comes to sidewalks. Some helpful guidelines include efforts to make path wide enough for someone using a wheelchair, walker or stroller. Clear ramps at corners and sidewalks. Use ice melter, but not sand (sand gets into street drains and can be expensive to clean up). Consider helping neighbors who may have difficulty clearing their walk.

Here’s a roundup of helpful information for residents:

• Woburn City Hall is open for regular business Friday, Feb. 7, 2013, 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

• Waste Management is on a regular trash and recycling collection schedule, but collections will start earlier in anticipation of heavy snowfall in the afternoon. Residents are asked to place trash and recycling out Thursday evening for Friday pickup. Collections will take place as conditions will allow, but some neighborhoods may experience delays.

• All Friday and Saturday Woburn Recreation Department are cancelled.

• All Friday Senior Center programs and shuttle bus transportation is suspended.

• The Woburn Public Library will close at noon on Friday, be closed on Saturday, and Sunday programs are cancelled.

Mayor Galvin urges people to monitor the storm, saying the timing and impact to specific areas could “change dramatically.” He said people should put together their emergency kits, which should include flashlights, batteries, and bottled water. And he said people planning to use generators should make sure they know how to use them safely, the news release states.

In terms of utility and cable services, Mayor Galvin and City officials have been asked to give residents the following information:

• NSTAR: Customers whose electric service may be affected should call 1-800-592-2000. More information can be found at www.nstar.com.

• Comcast: Residential customers with service affected by the storm should call 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278).

• Verizon: To report service-related issues, residential customers should call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966) or online at www.verizon.com/support.