Portsmouth offers new snow parking ban alerts system: Here's what you need to know
PORTSMOUTH — The city has adopted Smart 911 as its new system for alerting residents about snow parking bans, weather, events and other information.
Smart 911 will offer text, email, and voicemail alerts (replacing CodeRed), according to a city announcement. Snow parking announcements (issued six hours ahead of an anticipated snow parking ban) and alerts (issued when the parking ban goes into effect) will be communiated through the Smart 911 system. To receive Smart 911 notifications, go to the subscription page: https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/login.action?pa=cityofportsmouthnh.
Parking ban information in Portsmouth is also available by calling 603-766-7669 (SNO-SNOW) to hear recorded messages, on Channel 22, at cityofportsmouth.com, on @PortsmouthDPW and Facebook at @CityHallPortsmouthNH.
No trash pickup on school snow days
Portsmouth announced a new policy: If school is canceled due to snow, there will be no trash pickup on that day. School cancellations are announced on the Portsmouth School Department website at cityofportsmouth.com/school, as well its Facebook page, Twitter account @portsschools, its Instagram account portsmouthschools and via WMUR.
Portsmouth offers information on parking bans, plowing and safety tips
Portsmouth’s snow plowing operations typically begin when snow accumulation that exceeds two inches, at which time a citywide parking ban may go into effect in order to facilitate snow removal. Residents can take advantage of spaces in designated city parking lots and garages when the parking bans are in effect. Under a declared parking ban, residents are urged to take advantage of flat rate parking at the High-Hanover garage ($5 per exit) and Foundry Garage ($3 per exit), from the time an anticipated ban is announced until two hours after the ban cancellation is issued. Information: cityofportsmouth.com/publicworks/parkportsmouth/snowrelatedimpacts#map.
“We understand how challenging and inconvenient a parking ban is for many residents. The Department of Public Works does not want to tow vehicles from the street, but can be forced to do so in order to perform snow removal during significant storms,” DPW Director Peter Rice said. “We also want to be sure residents and city staff are safe when it comes to trash pickup during a snowstorm. By canceling collection when there’s a school cancellation, it will be easier for residents to know whether to put items out – and to keep sidewalks and streets clear for snow removal.”The department asks residents to assist in making snow removal more efficient by doing the following:
Clear sidewalks of debris, trash cans, recycling bins, planters and other decorative items, prior to a storm.
Make sure parked cars are not blocking sidewalks.
Keep excess snow from your property off of the streets.
Reduce speed, turn headlights on and maintain a safe distance behind plow drivers.
Parking bans for snow removal are announced in several different ways:
Residents can call the Public Works Department: Call 427-1530 or report a snow clearing issue using the Click ‘n Fix reporting system. When managing extended weather conditions and snow removal in the area, residents should take precautions to ensure their safety:
Advise children to avoid creating snow forts or caves within snow banks on the edge of the roads. These structures can put children at great risk due to the potential of collapse, especially when snowplows and blowers are frequently pushing back these banks to widen the streets.
Keep front doors clear to allow exit and entrance in case of emergencies.
Clear snow surrounding nearby fire hydrants.
Check and clear exhaust vents of furnaces and stoves to avoid the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth NH offers new snow parking ban alerts system
