Portsmouth DPW offers snow preparedness tips

With forecasts predicting more winter-like weather in the coming days and weeks, the Portsmouth Department of Public Works is urging residents to be mindful of issued parking ban announcements and take proper safety measures.

            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. According to Peter Rice, Director of Public Works, there are spaces available in parking lots around the City for residents when the parking bans are in effect. “We understand how challenging and inconvenient a parking ban is for many residents. While Public Works does not want to tow vehicles from the street, we will 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.” For more information on parking ban logistics and available City lots for the public, please click here. 

With their procedures in place, Public Works wants to remind the public that they can assist in successful operations by doing the following:

• Clear sidewalks of debris, trash cans and recycling bins prior to a storm.
• Keep excess snow from your property off of the streets.
• Reduce speed, turn headlights on and maintain a safe distance behind plow drivers

When managing extended weather conditions and snow removal in the area, it is also important that residents to 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.

Take advantage of the following information sources for snow impacts and parking ban announcements:

• Public Works Department: 427-1530
• Smart911 –  to sign up for automatic email and text alerts, click here:
• Snow Phone: 766-7669 (SNO-SNOW)
• Twitter: @PortsmouthDPW