City of Providence Announces Citywide Parking Ban Ahead of Winter Storm

Mayor Brett P. Smiley and the Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) todayurged Providence residents to take appropriate precautions as a winter storm is forecast to bring hazardous conditions to the city from Saturday, February 8 through Sunday, February 9.The Department of Public Works proactively prepared all equipment and personnel to respond to the storm. Roadways will be pretreated ahead of the expected snowfall. With snow accumulation expected to reach 6 inches, a citywide parking ban will go into effect at 10PM Saturday, February 8.

The parking banwill prohibit parking on all snow routes and city streets to allow snowplows to clear roadways effectively. The ban will remain in effect until further notice, and violators may be subject to ticketing and towing. During a parking ban, residents, including those with an overnight parking permit, are not allowed to park on city streets.

As part of this year's Snow Overnight Parking program, residents with overnight parking permits in Wards 8, 10 and 13will be allowed to park at four parks: Dexter Park, Conlan Memorial Park, Bucklin Park and Columbia Park.

• Permit holders in Ward 13 can park next to Dexter Park. Permit holders may park on Hollywood Road between Dexter and Parade streets, Dexter Street between Hollywood Road to Durfee Street and Parade Street between Wood Street and Hollywood Road.
• Permit holders in Ward 10 can park near Columbia Park on either side of Michigan Ave between Vermont Ave and California Ave.
• Permit holders in Ward 8 can park next to Bucklin Park and Conlan Memorial Park on Bucklin Street between Whitmarsh Street and Daboll Street, Dexter Street between Waverly

Street and Daboll Street and Messer Street between the eastern edge of the fire department driveway to Kenwood Street, Kenwood Street between Messer Street and Waverly Street, Waverly Street between Kenwood Street and Sorrento Street and Sorrento Street between Waverly Street and Union Ave. Permit holders must park on the park side of Dexter, Bucklin, Messer, Kenwood, Waverly and Sorrento Streets.

To facilitate snow removal and ensure safety, all micromobility services, including shared bikes and scooters, will be temporarily paused starting at 3:00PM Saturday, February 8 and will remain paused until 7AM Monday, February 10.

The City and PEMA recommend all residents stay indoors when possible and limit exposure to the cold and wind. They also encourage the community to take precautions and are providing the following tips and suggestions.

Cold Weather Safety Tips:

• Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles; keep such devices away from all flammable materials.
• Install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (at least one of each per floor in your home).
• Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
• Do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills indoors; these produce carbon monoxide.
• Outdoors, stay dry and in wind-protected areas.
• Wear a hat or hood to prevent heat from escaping the body and several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing, covering all exposed skin during exposure.
• Bring household pets inside, if possible.
• Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and people with special needs.
• Wear mittens, a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Watch for signs of frostbite-skin appears white and waxy, numbness or no feeling in that area and/or possible blister.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia-shivering and numbness, confusion or dizziness, stumbling and weakness, slow or slurred speech and shock.

To assist residents affected by the cold temperatures, warming centers will be open to the public. For a full list of warming centers, visit www.providenceri.gov/pema/providence-warming-centers/.

In the event of a power outage, residents should contact Rhode Island Energy at 855-743-1102. Residents are reminded to never to touch downed power lines and report downed lines to Rhode Island Energy. Stay informed on upcoming weather events or possible storms by following City of Providenceand PEMAsocial media platforms.

To receive up-to-the-minute alerts and updates, residents are encouraged to register for the CodeRED emergency notification system by visiting: https://www.providenceri.com/PEMA/codered.

In case of an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergency issues, contact PVD311.

For more information, please visit the City's website.