Reminders: the official winter parking ban and “after the storm”

Above: You may want to break out the roof rake before any more snow tops what we already got this week. (Photo by Joao Melo)

The Winter Parking Ban went into effect at the start of December as it generally does every year. This year, I never saw the Town post an announcement. But they posted a reminder after the storm on Wednesday:

There will be no parking on any public way in the Town of Southborough from 12 midnight until 6:00 a.m. and furthermore, there will be no parking on any public way during any snowstorm in the Town of Southborough.

Vehicles parked will be towed at the owner’s expense (according to the Town’s Code).

This Ban has been extended and will be in effect from December 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015. Illegal parking during unusual storms occurring before or after the Ban will be dealt with according to Section 152-6 of the Code of the Town of Southborough.

Of course, the heaps of snow on either side of the road make it hard to park in the street any time of day.

Speaking of the snow, Southborough Emergency Management Agency shared a message from their state counterparts.

It reminds us of some of the dangers from the blizzard’s aftermath. These include visibility of children around large snowdrifts and vulnerability of roofs stressed by the snow.

So careful driving, walking or biking out there. And you may want to break out the roof rakes.

Here is the message from Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency: 

MEMA’S TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE AFTER THE STORM

FRAMINGHAM, MA – “Once the initial impact of this storm has subsided, there are still many additional challenges to be faced, from snow removal to power restoration,” states Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz. “If you have taken the proper precautions, remain cautious and careful, you and your family are more likely to experience a successful outcome.”

• Do not become a ‘spectator’. Continue to stay off streets and roads to allow plowing and clean-up operations to proceed smoothly.
• Be careful when shoveling snow. Over-exertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter.
• Clear exhaust vents from Direct Vent Gas Furnace Systems to avoid Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. Also, never run an automobile until the exhaust pipe has been cleared of snow.
• Make sure emergency generators or secondary heating systems are well ventilated.
• Help dig out fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood.
• Protect yourself by dressing for the season, wearing several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens are better than gloves. Wear a hat, as most body heat is lost through the top of the head. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Avoid parking too close to corners, allowing Public Safety vehicles and plows to maneuver safely.
• Be aware of children playing in the streets, particularly climbing on or running out from behind large snowdrifts. Parents should remind their children to be aware of plowing operations and traffic.
• Safely reduce the amount of snow on roofs. The stress caused by heavy wet snow can challenge the integrity of the structure.
• In order to protect against possible voltage irregularities that can occur when power is restored, you should unplug all sensitive electronic equipment, including TVs, stereo, VCR, microwave oven, computer, cordless telephone, answering machine and garage door opener. Be sure to leave one light on, so you will know when power is restored.
• If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
• Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them.
• Do not touch anything that power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences. Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem.
• Call 2-1-1 for non-emergency storm-related questions.
• Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or relatives and neighbors who may need additional assistance to ensure their safety.