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WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MESSAGE FROM THE CITY OF MELROSE

The City of Melrose may send additional winter weather advisory messages via City News, and/or the City’s emergency alert notification system Everbridge, and/or social media. Details on how to subscribe/follow are located at the end of this email.
Posted on: January 5, 2024 - 6:00pm
Map forecasting winter storm Jan 6-7

Melrose is expected to receive several inches of snow on Sunday, January 7, 2024, that could result in potentially hazardous driving conditions, according to a winter weather advisory message from the National Weather Service. Sunday’s snowfall could start any time on the evening of Saturday, January 6, but is expected to begin after midnight. Snowfall is estimated to come to a halt on Sunday around 10 p.m.

WHAT TO DO

Prepare for Icy Conditions:

In case of potential icy conditions, Melrose community members are encouraged to purchase a bag of salt/sand for private property walkways, driveways, porches, and other private trafficked areas.

Prepare For an Outage:

  • Check CO/smoke detector batteries and have backup power for medical devices.
  • Charge cell phones and other devices.
  • Purchase candles and/or flashlights and accompanying batteries.
  • Stock up on non-perishable food items and bottles of water in case pipes freeze.
  • Be sure to have warm blankets and warm clothing at the ready.
  • Make a plan to stay with family, friends or neighbors in the event power is lost.
  • Stay connected with elderly neighbors, friends, and family members throughout the storm.
  • Use mobile devices to track outage information and storm-related safety tips through National Grid’s mobile site: www.ngrid.com/mobile.
  • Track outages and estimated restoration times online at www.nationalgridus.com/outagecentral.

Review Winter Storm Safety Tips from Mass.Gov

For a comprehensive list of winter storm safety tips, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/winter-storm-safety-tips.

WHAT TO KNOW: UPDATES FROM THE DPW

The Department of Public Works (DPW), which is actively monitoring forecasts and will pre-treat City roads on Saturday evening, is currently preparing equipment to be deployed on Sunday. The DPW has also proactively notified contractors to be at the ready. The DPW will continue to monitor and address weather and road conditions throughout Sunday. Please note sidewalks will be cleared and treated after roads.

Post-holiday Styrofoam Recycling Event:

As of today, Saturday’s Post-holiday Styrofoam Recycling Event City Yard is still scheduled to take place between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., however, any decisions related to Sunday’s activities will be made closer to the onset of the storm.

Communal Salt/Sand Bin (for Neighborhood Sidewalks)

To be used by residents if needed on public sidewalks only, the DPW will make available a Communal Salt and Sand Bin at the City Yard for residents to get sand/salt, if needed on Saturday, January 6, between 8 AM and 12 PM. This Bin will become a permanent feature of the yard until further notice. Please note that the Communal Salt and Sand Bin is intended for residential use only on sidewalks in their neighborhoods, and not for commercial use.

In addition, blue barrels containing salt and sand to be used for treating sidewalks only are located in neighborhoods with steep hills. These barrels are provided as a courtesy by the DPW in effort to ensure the safety of pedestrians.

Parking, Curbside Trash & Collection:

The City has not issued a parking ban and does not expect any trash delays. Please note that the plans of the DPW, as well as the City’s trash and recycling collection vendor, Republic/JRM, are subject to change.

WHO TO CALL

Report an Emergency:

In the event of an emergency, CALL 911.

Report Non-emergency Snow-related Concerns:

Call the DPW Snow Operations Center during business hours only at (781) 665 – 0142. Business hours are 8 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Report an Outage:

In the event of a gas or electric outage, the Melrose community – businesses and residents – should report all outages to National Grid’s (N.G.) Customer Service or Outage Reporting hotlines (provided below).

Every phone call received is logged into their outage tracking system and better enables N.G. to pinpoint the location of the issue. The sooner that they can identify the location of the issue, the quicker they can respond.

Report Downed Power Lines:

  • DO NOT APPROACH! Never touch any downed lines, and always assume that a fallen line is a live power line.
  • CALL 911 to report any downed lines.
  • THEN Contact National Grid at 1-800-465-1212 to report the downed line.

Report Downed Trees/Limbs on City Property:

  • Call Melrose Department of Public Works at (781) 665-0142 during normal business hours (Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.).
  • Call Melrose Police at 781-665-1212, if after DPW hours of operation.

Report Verizon Service-Related Issues:

Monitor Media for Emergency Information:

During severe weather, continue to monitor media channels for emergency notifications, and please check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, and support if you can.

WHAT TO KNOW CONTINUED: CLOSURES

Municipal Building Closures

The City of Melrose will keep the safety of all City of Melrose employees and residents in mind when making decisions about closing municipal buildings and/or canceling City programs. Residents will be informed of any City closures, and parking bans IF issued, by the Mayor’s Office via Everbridge, the City News, and social media.

Melrose Public School Closures

DPW will be treating City roads, sidewalks, and school parking lots in preparation for Melrose Public Schools (MPS) opening on time on Monday, January 8. Caregivers and students will be notified by the Melrose Public School Administration in the event MPS issues delayed openings or closures.

STAY INFORMED

To sign up to receive all information delivered by the City of Melrose, visit https://www.cityofmelrose.org/emergency-management/pages/emergency-notification-system-city-news-social-media