Update: City Officials Issue Parking Ban, School Delay, Storm Safety Precautions

Mayor Angel Taveras and public safety officials are reminding residents to prepare for Irene, a large storm that is expected to arrive this Saturday evening into tomorrow. For a list of ways to prepare, go to http://cityof.providenceri.com/PEMA/residents-advised-to-take-precaution...

Below is some additional information for residents:

PARKING BAN
A citywide parking ban will be in effect from 2AM-MIDNIGHT Sunday, August 28. For public safety purposes, cars in violation of the citywide parking ban will be ticketed and towed.

SCHOOL DELAY
The first day of school has been pushed to Wednesday, August 31. Teachers and principals were scheduled to meet on Monday to prepare for school opening, but concerns about possible storm damage prompted Superintendent Susan Lusi and PEMA Director Peter Gaynor to delay the first day of school to Wednesday. Teachers will report to work on August 30. Stay updated at www.providenceschools.org

TRASH
TRASH PICK UP WILL BE DELAYED ONE DAY. RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT PUT CANS OR BINS OUTSIDE ON SUNDAY NIGHT.

To help prevent flooding, residents should also pick up litter near and around their homes that might be washed away and clog roadside drains.

SANDBAGS
The Department of Public Works has stockpiled sandbags and crews are checking storm drains to ensure that they are clear of debris.

PEMA also has sandbags available at the Emergency Operations Center on 591 Charles Street.

AFTER THE HURRICANE

• Stay Informed - Use a radio for weather information and other public announcements.
• Use Flashlights - Avoid using candles if possible.
• Returning Home - If you have evacuated, only return when notified that it is safe to do so.
• Downed Power Lines - Watch for downed power lines. Don't take any chances, assume all lines are live.
• Avoid Flood Waters - Especially when driving.
• Report Any Safety Hazards - When possible, report hazards to the local authority.
• Beware of Spoiled and Contaminated Food and Water - Identify and throw away food that may not be safe to eat. Do not assume tap water is safe to drink, stay informed.

Stay updated at www.providenceri.com.