For Immediate Release

Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-865-4110

**SNOW EMERGENCY**

Gloucester Issues Parking Ban

No School Monday

GLOUCESTER — Police Chief Leonard Campanello reports that the City of Gloucester has declared a Snow Emergency in anticipation of heavy snowfall coming late Sunday and Monday.

Schools are closed Monday, along with all City offices and buildings.

The Snow Emergency and subsequent Parking Ban go into effect at 11 p.m. TODAY, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 and will remain in effect until at least 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3. All vehicles must be moved from city streets during this time.

“This is a significant weather event, with snowfall that may exceed a foot,” Chief Campanello said.  “We are declaring a Snow Emergency, and we are asking everyone to please work with us in the same way that you did last week during the Blizzard.”

Violators of this emergency declaration are subject to ticketing and towing at the owners expense. Residents may park in all municipal and school parking lots.

All residents are reminded that they are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks adjacent to their property. Your cooperation during this parking ban is necessary for efficient and safe snow removal efforts. Please make every effort to shovel out hydrants at or near your homes.

During times of high tide, expect coastal flooding on various streets along the coast. In addition, bitterly cold wind chills of 15 to 25 below zero are expected making it extremely dangerous to be outside. Please make every effort to check on your elderly neighbors.

At this time, it is anticipated that trash collection will be on a regular schedule.

Tax payments and abatement applications can be filed at a drop box at City Hall and further instructions regarding this matter are available on the City of Gloucester website at www.gloucester-ma.gov

Chief Campanello also urges residents to please check on their neighbors, especially if they are seniors or housebound and please try to keep sidewalks clear.

Do not shovel snow into the roadway as this impedes snow clearing operations. Violators will be fined.

If you experience a power outage, contact National Grid at 1-800-465-1212. If you experience a natural gas issue please contact National Grid at 1-800-640-1595.

If the Police Department can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Gloucester Police at  978-283-1212. Please stay safe and indoors during this dangerous storm.

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