RICHMOND, Va. – City officials said that snow plow crews will continue to plow major roads, and begin to plow and treat secondary routes as soon as Sunday afternoon. Residential areas should be tackled beginning Sunday evening, according to city officials.
Residents are encouraged to limit driving unless absolutely necessary, because otherwise drivers interfere with city snow plows that are trying to work safely and efficiently.
Parking is prohibited in designated Snow Emergency Routes at this time. Abandoned or disabled vehicles impeding the right of city roadways should be removed as soon as possible. Abandoned and disabled vehicles slow the plowing process and will be towed at the owner’s expense, officials said.
The mayor pointed out that Sunday snow plowing in residential neighborhoods puts crews ahead of a traditional game plan.
Snowplow stuck on Greenbrier Avenue(PHOTO: Margaret Wilson)
“It is general practice for snow plowing to begin on residential routes 48 hours after a snowfall ends. We will begin plowing and treating residential routes a full 24 hours ahead of this timeframe,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “I again want to thank all our dedicated City employees for working around the clock during this winter storm to clear snow from our streets and ensuring public safety. I strongly encourage residents to stay off of City streets, both as a motorist and pedestrian.”
Refuse collection will not be performed on Monday as the city’s Solid Waste Management Division will be assisting in removal efforts. Refuse collection will be performed on a one day delay for the remainder of the week, as the collection schedule will begin on Tuesday and continue through Friday.
Residents and business are reminded that it is their responsibility to clear snow from any public sidewalk that borders their property.
The city’s 3-1-1 call center is currently available to provide residents with vital information. Residents should call 9-1-1 if they are experiencing an emergency situation.
By noon, both storm relief shelters will be closed. However, the city’s warming site is open today through Jan. 26, from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. The site is located in the City’s Public Safety Building at 505 North 9th Street.
The City’s Cold Weather Overflow Shelter will open tonight through Jan. 25, as overnight temperatures are forecasted to remain at or below 40 degrees during this time period. The overflow shelter is located in the City’s Public Safety Building at 505 North 9th Street.
The shelter opens each day at 7 p.m. and closes the following morning at 6 a.m. Shelter registration is from 7 to 9 p.m. Food will not be provided and pets are not allowed.
The city asks that residents remain home during this weather event and offers the following safety recommendations:
- If you must drive, clear all snow from your vehicle, drive cautiously and decrease speed;
- Stay inside if possible. If you need to go out, dress in several layers of lightweight clothing. Wear mittens or gloves and a hat, preferably one that covers your ears;
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite;
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets;
- Do not connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring or place your generator inside your home. Connecting a portable electric generator directly to your household wiring can be deadly to you and others. A generator that is directly connected to your home’s wiring may ‘back feed’ onto the power lines connected to your home creating a fire hazard;
- If space heaters are being used, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use the heater. Make sure your space heater is a minimum of three feet from any flammable material. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater;
- Stoves or ovens should not be used as an alternate source to heat your home;
- Bring your pets indoors. If you are unable to bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.
- If you own property bordering a public sidewalk, it is your responsibility to remove snow after the snowfall ends (Richmond Code §24-34).
For up-to-date information and additional instructions from the City of Richmond during this weather event, please visit www.Richmondgov.com, follow the City on Twitter @CityRichmondVA, and stay tuned to CBS 6 weather and news updates.
