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PROVIDENCE - In preparation for a significant snowfall on Friday, Mayor David N. Cicilline and the Providence Emergency Management Agency are asking residents to avoid driving tomorrow after 12 noon and are recommending that employers make plans to minimize the number of employees commuting to and from work during these hours. Weather experts predict that heavy snow will arrive around noon and accumulate at a rate of one to two inches per hour.
City officials are closely coordinating storm preparations and response with Rhode Island E.M.A. and are in contact with area employers through the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. Officials are asking for assistance to keep roads clear during the storm to minimize motor vehicles accidents and congestion. Reduced traffic will allow emergency vehicles to move freely during the storm and help to ensure that roads are plowed and treated for weekend holiday activities after the storm.
Important city government and schools information:
- The Providence Schools have cancelled school and all school-related activities for Friday, December 19th.
- A parking ban will go into effect beginning at 9 a.m. Automobiles parked on City streets will be ticketed after that time. Towing will begin soon after.
- In case of emergency, residents should call 911. Providence Police can be reached at 272-3121. For other snow-related matters, residents should call the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services at 421-2489(CITY).
Storm preparations:
- The Emergency Operations Center at 591 Charles Street will be up and running beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Friday morning;
- Roads will be treated with salt and sand beginning Friday morning;
92 snow plows are standing by to plow 370 miles of roadway;
- Police are prepared to direct traffic at known choke points;
- The Fire Department is adding two additional rescues at the Humbolt and Reservoir stations.
Recommendations for employers:
- Employers are urged to be as flexible as possible with regard to employees working at home or taking leave;
- Employers are urged to stagger dismissal of employees leaving after 12 p.m.
Recommendations for residents:
- Residents are urged to stay off the roads if possible tomorrow after 12 noon;
Drivers are urged to do the following: keep fuel tanks filled, make sure windshield wipers are working, have a small shovel in the vehicle, have sand or kitty litter available for traction, have a flashlight with fresh batteries available, and a first aid kit;
- During the storm, keep children away from roadways and do not let them play in snow banks made by plows.
- Though power outages are not anticipated for this storm, should power outages occur, please contact National Grid at 1-800-465-1212. Do not approach any downed utility line.
- Report downed wires to the Providence Fire Department by calling 401-274-3344.
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