New Bedford Blizzard Nemo Day 4 Update

Mayor Jon Mitchell released the following statement addressing the City’s efforts to recover from the 2013 Blizzard for February 11th, 2013.

The City’s Emergency Response

The City continues to address the after-effects of the storm. Public safety agencies continue to respond to storm-related incidents. The Police Department and Emergency Medical Services have now responded to close to 1,300 requests for assistance since this past Friday afternoon. The New Bedford Fire Department has now responded to more than 250 calls for downed lines, fires, and other emergencies.

Citywide Parking Ban will be lifted at 6:00 p.m. Monday, February 11th

The Police Department will enforce the city-wide parking ban until it is lifted at 6:00 p.m. tonight, Monday, February 11, 2013. The parking ban will be lifted at that time for both residential areas and the business districts.

Snow removal and traffic signal repairs at intersections throughout the city are ongoing and motorists should use caution and expect delays. Residents are encouraged to limit travel today to allow City plow crews to clear intersections and address side-streets throughout the City.

Private construction companies are still being used to assist City crews. Heavy equipment from ABC Disposal Service and the Greater New Bedford Refuse District has also been deployed.

Power Outages

NStar continues to make progress in restoring power to New Bedford. The number of New Bedford customers without power has fallen from a peak of roughly 23% (10,700) to 4% (1,672) as of 1:00 p.m. today. NStar’s goal is to restore power to customers throughout the region by Thursday evening.

Updates on City Offices, Facilities, and Schools

The City of New Bedford is announcing the following status updates:

As of 1:30 p.m. today, a decision has NOT been made on whether New Bedford Public Schools will be open on Tuesday, February 12. A decision is expected later in the day and will be based on a number of factors including whether power has been restored to all schools, the condition of sidewalks, and whether sufficient turning radius has been created for school buses at intersections. Residents are encouraged to monitor the School Department website, www.newbedford-ma.gov, WBSM AM 1420, and www.SouthCoastToday.com for further announcements.

All City Offices will open for normal business on Tuesday, February 12, including City Hall, Senior Centers, Libraries, and Buttonwood Park Zoo.

The New Bedford Municipal Airport has been open since Sunday evening. Passengers should check with their airline regarding the status of flights.

Trash Collection Delayed Two Days

Trash collection in New Bedford will be delayed by two (2) days, the City has switched to a Wednesday-Sunday schedule. Trash normally collected on Monday will be collected on Wednesday. Trash normally collected on Tuesday will be collected on Thursday, and so on. If your trash is normally collected on Friday, it will be collected on Sunday.

Commercial trash collection and cardboard recycling in the downtown business is on schedule and will be conducted today.

SRTA Services to Resume on Tuesday Morning

Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) Services will resume tomorrow morning however, passengers should expect delays.. SRTA passengers should call 508-999-5211 for information about the status of SRTA services.

Storm Drains and Sidewalks

Residents are asked to help the recovery effort by shoveling nearby storm drains and clearing sidewalks. With rain forecast, clearing drains will help reduce the threat of flooding. Clearing sidewalks will help keep students safe when walking to school.

Keith Warming Center/ Shelter Open, Pilgrim Church Shelter Closed

The Keith Middle School is open as a warming center/shelter and will remain open for as long as necessary. Residents should monitor the City website for information on the status of the Keith Middle School shelter. The Pilgrim United Church (634 Purchase Street) will cease operations as a shelter this afternoon.

Important Tips for Residents and Business Owners

Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the City’s Guide to Snow Storms and the series of Winter Weather Tips available on the City homepage (www.newbedford-ma.gov), including special tips on power outages, roof collapses, and storm drains.

Important Emergency Contact Numbers

To report a downed power line, medical, fire or other emergencies please dial 911.

NSTAR is prepared to address damage and outages resulting from the storm and encourages customers whose electric service is affected to call 1-800-592-2000. NSTAR strongly urges people to stay away from all down wires and to report them immediately.

To report snow removal issues on city streets:

• Residents North of Interstate 195 may contact the Department of Public Infrastructure at (508) 991-6150
• Residents South of Interstate 195 may contact the Department of Public Facilities at (508) 991-6133.

New Bedford Police Department can also be reached on its Non-emergency line at (508) 991-6350

Please visit the City’s website at www.newbedford-ma.gov for more information and updates from the City of New Bedford regarding the snowstorm.