DPW Offers Winter Preparedness Tips & Automated Snow Parking Ban Alert Notification Systems

Following the February 4 sleet and snow event, sidewalk cleanup operations are proving difficult. Multiple methods for clearing the layers of compacted buildup are not as effective as hoped, but a full crew of DPW employees is working on the problem. Residents are asked to be patient -- and careful -- as the City continues to treat streets and sidewalks.

Portsmouth’s snow plowing operations typically begin when snow levels exceed 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.

“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. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of flat fee parking: $3 at Foundry Place and $5 at the Hanover garage,” noted DPW Director Peter Rice.

For more information on parking ban logistics and available City lots for the public, please click here,

The Department of Public Works also 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:

• CodeRED: anyone can sign up to receive automatic email and text alerts, click here.
• Snow Phone: call 766-7669 (SNO-SNOW) to hear recorded messages.
• Channel 22: snow parking bans are posted as bulletins and screen-crawls
• CityofPortsmouth.com: a yellow (planned) or red (in effect) banner appears at the top of City website pages when snow parking ban events occur.
• Twitter: follow @PortsmouthDPW
• Facebook: @CityHallPortsmouthNH
• 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.