Be prepared for major snowstorm coming Sunday

A major winter storm is predicted to hit across the state starting Sunday afternoon and lasting into Monday morning. Even if the forecast is off, you’ll never regret being prepared. 

Here are some ways to stay informed

• Sign up for Waltham’s Regroup emergency notification system to receive citywide urgent alerts via phone, text and email. This includes winter parking ban announcements and updates.
• Follow the city’s social media accounts and add the city Facebook page to your “favorites” so you don’t miss a post.
• Bookmark the Winter Weather Alert Center. Over the course of the winter, all snow related alerts and info will be posted here.

Make a plan for parking 

• A snow emergency/parking ban may be declared when excessive amounts of snow are predicted. Snow emergency/parking bans are communicated through the Regroup notification system. When a ban is in effect, all vehicles MUST be removed from all roadways or they are subject to tow. Vehicles can be parked in school and municipal parking lots (except the Public Library lot).
• When a parking ban is lifted, people have two hours to remove cars from school lots and 24 hours to remove cars from municipal lots. The allotted time for removal is set based on the time the ban was lifted. Any vehicles remaining in school or municipal parking lots after the allotted time frame are subject to tow.

Winterize your home

• Check fire and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Slow drip faucets to prevent frozen pipes.
• Make sure nearby hydrants are shoveled out in case of emergency. 
• Make sure any home exhaust pipes are shoveled out and free of obstruction. 
• Check on neighbors and gather a list of essential needs to ensure safety for your family and pets. Keep electronics charged in the event of an emergency. Essential needs include flashlights, batteries, chargers, candles, blankets, water, and baby and pet food. 

  Know the rules of snow removal

• Waltham’s streets are divided into 61 plow routes that will be plowed in sequence and made passable as quickly as possible. Sidewalk clearing is strongly encouraged to ensure safe pedestrian passage. Per city ordinance, some property owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks that abut their property. 
• You are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks that are in front of, at the side of, or abut your property in any way, if
  • Your property or land abuts a sidewalk, excluding single- or two-family residences.
  • Your building contains three or more dwelling units, as defined in the zoning code.
  • Your property is in any business, commercial, or industrial district, in the Hope Avenue Redevelopment District, or in the Riverfront Overlay District, as defined and delineated in the zoning code.
  • Your property contains a building designated and used for institutional uses as defined and delineated in the zoning code.