A Winter Weather Guide - Philadelphia · contribute to how warm or cold you feel. Check on children and seniors, especially in cold weather. Here are some tips for keeping warm: •

Winter weather can bring heavy snow, icy streets and sidewalks, dangerous wind chills, and power outages.

Be Ready. Make a Plan. Get what you need.

• Areyouandyourfamilypreparedforwinteremergencies?• Ifyouhadtostayinyourhomeforafewdays,wouldyouhavewhat

youneedtostaysafe,comfortableandhealthy?• Ifyouhadtoleaveyourhomesuddenly,withouttimetopackanything,

wouldyoubereadytogo?

The time to start planning for an emergency is not in the middle of one. In an emergency, you’re either READY or you’re not.

For more information on how to get READY, visit www.phila.gov/ready or email us at [email protected].

www.phila.gov/ready Follow us on Twitter: @PhilaOEM

Be Ready.

Make a Plan.

Get what you need.

WinterEmergencyKit................2KeepYourBodyWarm...............2WhenYou’reOutside.................3SnowShovelingSafetyTips.......3ShovelingSnowFromSidewalks....................................4PetsandColdWeather...............5HomeHeatingSafetyTips......6-7MakeYourHomeWinterReady..........................................7

KeeptheWaterFlowing.........8HeatingBillHelp......................8CarbonMonoxidePoisoning..9WinterWeatherWords.........10GetYourVehicleReady..........11DisruptiontoUtilityServices..................................12SnowEmergencyInfo......13-15StayInformedDuringSnowandIceStorms.......................16

Table of Contents

Office of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphia

A Winter Weather Guide


Office of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphia page2/WinterTips

Winter Emergency Kit

qOnegallonofdrinkingwaterperperson perdayforthreedays

qFoodthatwillnoteasilyperish;ready-to- eatfoods

qManualcanopener

qFirst-aidkit

qAthree-daysupplyofessential medications

qFlashlightandextrabatteries

qBattery-operatedAM/FMradioandextra batteries,orawind-upradiothatdoesnot requirebatteries.

qPhonethatdoesnotrelyonelectricity,butjustplugsintoaphonejack

qAwhistletosignalforhelp

qPersonalhygieneitems,suchashand sanitizer,soap,toothbrushandtoothpaste, toiletpaper,andwipes

qChildcaresuppliesorotherspecialcare items

qPlasticsheeting,scissors,ducttape

qTrashbagsandothertools

Also consider other supplies and equipment based on your special needs, such as:

qBack-upmedicalequipment(oxygen,scooterbattery,mobilityaids,hearingaidsandbatteries,glasses).qSuppliesforpetsandserviceanimals

Items for Your Emergency Kit:

Yourage,yourhealth,youreatinganddrinkinghabits,andyourclothingallcontributetohowwarmorcoldyoufeel.Checkonchildrenandseniors,especiallyincoldweather.

Herearesometipsforkeepingwarm:

• Setyourthermostatto68˚Forhigher.• Dressinseverallayers.Wearloose

fitting,lightweightclothing.• Ifyouhavenoheatbecauseofapower

outage,trytostaywithafriendorrelative.

Hypothermiaisalife-threateningconditionwithabnormallylowbodytemperature.Dependingonageandhealth,apersonmightnotrealizehisorhercorebodytemperaturehasfallendangerouslylow.

Symptoms of Hypothermia include:• Uncontrollableshivering• Confusionorsleepiness• Slurredspeech• Slowreactions

If You Suspect Hypothermia:

• Getthevictimtoawarmroomorshelter.

• Removeanywetclothing.• Warmthecenterofthebodyfirst,so

bloodcirculationwillincreasetotheextremities.

• Givethevictimwarmdrinks,butnoalcohol.

• Getmedicalhelpassoonaspossible.

Keep Your Body Warm

If there is a bad storm, you might not be able to leave the house for a few days.

• Checkyouremergencykitsuppliesnowbeforeastormhits.• Makesureyouhaveenoughfood,water,andmedicationsfor

atleastthreedays.• Remindeveryoneinyourhouseholdthatthesesuppliesarefor

emergenciesonly.• Checkexpirationdatesonfood,bottledwater,batteries,and

medicine.



Dress warmly in layers and stay dry. Wearhats,scarves,andwater-repellentcoats.Wearmittensinsteadofgloves;they’llkeepyourhandswarmer.

Cover your mouth.Protectyourlungsfromextremelycoldairbycoveringyourmouth.

Wind Chill makesyougetcolderfaster,asthewindcarriesawayheatfromthebody.Makesuresmallchildrenstaywarm-especiallybabies.Babieswillgetcoldermuchfasterthanadultswill.

Frostbiteisfrozenbodytissue,usuallyskin.Itaffectstheextremitiesfirst:fingers,toes,ears,andthetipofthenose.

Symptoms of frostbite include:

• Theskinmightlosefeeling.• Theskinmaylookwhite,pale,hardorwaxy.• Astheareathaws,skinmayturnred,blueor

purple.• Skincanalsoswellorblister.• Thevictimmayalsofeeltingling,burningorsevere

painasthefrostbittentissuethaws.

Childrenlosebodyheatfasterthanadultsdo,sotheycangetfrostbitefaster.

If You Suspect Frostbite:

• Getthevictimtoawarmroomorshelter.• Givethevictimwarmdrinks,butnoalcohol.• Removeanywetclothing.• Don’twalkonfrostbittenfeetortoes.Doingso

cancausemoredamage.• Warmtheaffectedareasinwarm(nothot)water,

orwithwarmblankets.• Don’trubfrostbittenskin.• Don’tuseaheatingpad,heatlamp,orheatfroma

stove,fireplaceorradiatortowarmthefrostbittenareas.Numbbodypartscan’tfeeltheheat,andcangetburned.

• Ifskincolorandfeelingdon’treturntonormalquickly,getmedicalhelpassoonaspossible.

When You’re Outside

page3/WinterTips

• Avoidoverexertion.Coldweatherputsanaddedstrainontheheart.Takefrequentrestbreaksanddrinkplentyoffluidstoavoiddehydration.

• Warmupwithsomestretchingexercisesinside.

• Startslowlyandpaceyourself.Shovelfiveloadsonlyaminute.After15minutesofshoveling,takeabreak.Pausetostretcheveryfiveminutesbystandingupstraight.

• Pushthesnow.Don’tlift.Ifyoumustlift,useyourlegsnotyourback.

• Drinkduringbreakstoavoiddehydration.Breathingcolddryairrobsmoisturefromyourbodywitheverybreath.

• Neverthrowsnowoveryourshoulder.Twistingcanstraintheback.Facethesnowbeingshoveled,keepyourbackstraightandkneesbentandthrowinfrontofyou.

• Dresswarmlyinlayerswithahat.Coveryourneck.

• Takesmallerscoopsofsnow,keepingthemlightandsmall.

• Don’tworkupasweat.Bodiesloseheatfasterindampclothes,whichmakesyoumorepronetoinjury.Takeabreakifyou’rebeginningtosweat.

• Don’tsmokeoreataheavymealbeforeshoveling.It’sharderontheheart.

• Don’tholdyourbreath;thismakesyourheartrateandbloodpressurerise.

Snow Shoveling Safety Tips

• Don’tfeelthejobhastogetdoneinonesession.

• Doclearsnowinfrontoffirehydrantsandstormdrainswhenclearingsidewalksanddriveways.

• Remembertohelpyourneighbors,especiallyolderadults,peoplewithdisabilities,andthosewhoarehousebound.



Owners,buildingmanagers,andtenantsofanybuildingorpremisemustclearapathatleast36incheswideonallsidewalksaroundthebuilding.Remembertomakeapathwithinsixhoursafterthesnowstopsfalling.Thoroughlyclearthepathoficeandsnow.

Ifapavementislessthanthreefeetfromthepropertylinetothecurb,clearapaththatisatleast12incheswide.Formultifamilydwellings,theowneroragentisresponsibleforshovelingaclearpathandkeepingitclearoficeandsnow.

Keepsnowclearedfromsidewalksanddrivewaysoutofthestreet.Shovelingandpilingsnowintothestreetcanresultinaminimumfineof$25andupto$300foreachviolation.

Salting Sidewalks and Driveways

Anycommercialdeicer,suchasthosesoldinhardwarestoresandsupermarkets,isokayforsaltingsidewalksanddriveways.

Applysaltassoonasthereisalightbuildupofsnowonsidewalksanddriveways.Itwillbeeasiertoshovellaterifmoresnowfalls.Aftershovelingadditionalsnowthatfalls,applyalightamountofsalt,again.Thiswillmeltanymoresnowthatfalls.Whenitissleetingorfreezingrain,applydeicingsaltmultipletimes,asneeded,onsidewalksanddriveways.

Beawareoftheenvironment.Usedeicingsaltssparingly.Onepoundofsaltcovers100to200squarefeet.Youcantreatasidewalkthatis30to60feetlongandthree-feetwideatthisrate.Spreadthedeicingsaltmanuallyoruseequipment,suchaslawnseedandfertilizerspreaders.Rinsespreadersafterapplyingthedeicer.Youcanusekittylitteralsotomaketemporarytraction.

Shoveling Snow from Sidewalks



Pets and Cold Weather

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers these to tips to help you protect your pets when the mercury dips.

Call ACCT Philly hotline at 267-385-3800 if you see a dog or other pet outside during extreme cold. It is against City ordinance to leave pets outside in extreme cold and owners can be fined up to $500.• Keepcatsinside.Catscanfreezeoutdoors.Theycan

becomelost,bestolen,injuredorkilled.Cats,whostray,getinfectiousdiseases,includingrabies,fromothercats,dogs,andwildlife.

• Duringthewinter,outdoorcatsmaysleepundercarhoods.Whenyoustartthemotor,thefanbeltmayinjureorkillthecat.Ifoutdoorcatsareinyourarea,bangloudlyonthehoodbeforestartingtheenginesothecatcanescapesafely.

• Neverletyourdogofftheleashonsnoworice,especiallyduringasnowstorm.Dogscanlosetheirscentandbecomelost.MakesureyourdogalwayswearsIDtags.

• Thoroughlywipeoffyourdog’slegsandstomachwhenhecomesinoutofsleet,snow,orice.Hecaningestsalt,antifreezeorotherpotentiallydangerouschemicalswhilelickinghispaws.Snowandencrustedicemaycauseyourdog’spawpadstobleed.

• Nevershaveyourdogdowntotheskininwinter.Alongercoatprovidesmorewarmth.Dryyourdogcompletelyafterbathing,especiallybeforetakinghimoutforawalk.Doyouownashorthairedbreed?Consideracoatorsweaterwithahighcollarorturtleneck.Itshouldcoverthebaseofthetailtothebelly.

• Neverleaveyourdogorcataloneinacarduringcold

• Doesyourdogspendalotoftimedoingoutdooractivities?Increasehissupplyoffood,particularlyprotein,tokeephim—andhisfur—intip-topshape.

• Likecoolant,antifreezeisalethalpoisonfordogsandcats.Besuretocleanupanyspillsfromyourvehicle.Useproductsthatcontainpropyleneglycolinsteadofethyleneglycol.

• Makesureyourpethasawarmplacetosleep,offthefloorandawayfromdrafts.Acozydogorcatbedwithawarmblanketorpillowisperfect.

weather.Ananimalcanfreezetodeathinanunheatedcar.

• Puppiesdon’ttoleratethecoldaswellasadultdogs.Itmaybedifficulttohousebreakyourpuppyduringwinter.Ifyourpuppyissensitivetotheweather,trytopaper-trainhiminside.Ifyourdogissensitivetothecoldduetoage,illness,orbreedtype,takehimoutdoorsonlytorelievehimself.



• Furnaces,boilers,hotwaterheaters,andclothesdryersshouldbeworkingproperly,andventilated.Haveaprofessionalinspectthemregularlytopreventcarbonmonoxidepoisoning.

• Useelectricheaterswithextremecautiontopreventshock,fire,andburns.NEVERuseakeroseneheaterindoors.

• Keepitemsatleastthreefeetfromheatsources,tohelppreventfire.

• Neveruseagasovenorburnertoheatyourhome.

Heaters

• Haveyourheatingsysteminspectedandservicedbeforetheheatingseasonbegins.

• Keeptheareaaroundtheunitclearandcleanfiltersregularly.

• Makesurethatfluepipes,ventconnectors,gasvents,andchimneysareinspected,cleaned,andingoodrepair.

Fireplaces

• Alwaysopentheflueinyourfireplacebeforelightingafire.

• Onlyburnhardwoodssuchasoak,maple,orashinfireplaces.

• Ifyouusesyntheticlogs,burnonlyonelogatatime.Duetotheirconstruction,theselogsproduceahotterflamethanmostfirewood.

• Neveruselighterfluid,gasoline,orotherflammableliquidstostartorenhanceafire.

• Chimneysshouldbeprofessionallyinspectedeachyearandcleanedafterburningapproximatelyonecordofwood.

• Useametalscreenproperlytopreventsparksfromflyingout.

Home Heating Safety Tips

page6/WinterTips

ManyfiresandemergencieshappeneveryyearinPhiladelphiabecauseoffaultyheatingunits.CalltheDepartmentofLicensesandInspectionsat215-686-2463forafireinspectionifyouareunsurewhetheryourheatsourceissafe.

Ifyourentanddonothaveheat,contactyourbuildingowner.Ifyourheatdoesnotcomebackonwithinareasonabletime,contacttheDepartmentofLicensesandInspectionsat215-686-2463.

(continued on next page)



Home Heating Safety Tips (continued)

Portable Heaters

• ThePhiladelphiaFireCodepermitstheuseofportablekeroseneheatersinoneandtwofamilydwellingsonly.

• Portablepropaneheaterscanbeusedoutdoorsonly.

• Whenpurchasinganewportableheater,selectthosewiththemarkofanindependenttestinglaboratory.

• Useandmaintaintheheaterbyfollowingmanufacturer’sinstructions.

• Keepheateratleast36inchesawayfromanything,includingfurniture,bedding,clothing,pets,andpeople,thatcanburn.

• Turnoffspaceheaterswhenyouarenotintheroom.

• Childrenandpetsshouldbesupervisedatalltimeswhenspaceheatersareinuse.

• Onlyusespaceheaterstoheataroom.Neverusethemtocookfood,dryclothes,orheatwaterforhumidification.

• Alwayskeepportableheatersawayfromtheentrancetorooms,incaseyouneedtogetoutquickly.

• Useonlythefuelrecommendedbythemanufacturer.Useonlyanapprovedcontainerclearlymarkedwiththenameofthefuel.

• Alwaysrefillkeroseneheatersoutsidewhentheunitiscool.Useasiphonpumptopreventspills.

• Neverplaceheatercordsundercarpetingorfurniture.

• Don’tuseextensioncordswithelectricheaters.Ifyoumustuseanextensioncord,onlyuseaproperlyratedextensioncordthatdoesn’tgethotwheninuseatthehighestsetting.

• Alwayshaveaworkingsmokealarmandcarbonmonoxidedetectorinroomswhereyousleep,especiallywhenusingportableheaters.Testthesmokealarmandcarbonmonoxidedetectortomakesuretheyareworkingproperly.

• Insulatewallsandattics.

• Caulkandweather-stripdoorsandwindows.

• Installstormwindowsorcoverwindowswithplasticfromtheinside.

• Inspectchimneysandfireplaces.

• Alwaysrungeneratorsoutside.Openwindowsandfansdonotprovideenoughventilationtopreventcarbonmonoxidebuild-up.

Make Your Home Winter Ready



Avoidexpensiveplumbingrepairs,costlydamagetopersonalpropertystoredinunheatedareas,andkeepthewaterflowingfreelyinyourhomeinthewinterbyfollowingtheseeasy-to-dotipstomaintainhomewatersystems:

• Shutoffoutsidewaterfaucetsfromtheinsidevalves.Todrainthesefaucets,leavetheoutsidevalvesopen.

• Keeptheareaaroundyourwatermeterabove40degreesFahrenheit.

• Wrapyourwatermeteranditsconnectingpipewithinsulation.

• Caulkwindowsnearwatermetersorpipes.Coverthesewindowswithplastic.

• Replaceorcovercrackedorbrokenwindows.

• Wrapandinsulateallwaterpipesinunheatedareassuchassheds,underkitchenfloors,andingarages.

• Letwatertrickleovernightinextremelycoldweathertokeepyourpipesfromfreezing.

• Ifthewaterservicelineorotherinternalpipesfreezeorbreak,callaplumbertothawthefrozenwaterintheservicelineortorepairthedamagedorbrokenpipe.

Keep the Water Flowing Heating Bill Help

Ifyourincomeislimited,youmayqualifyforhelpwithyourgasorelectricheatingbill.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance) ProgramTheLIHEAPprogramcanhelpyoupayyourhomeheatingbill,whetheryouownorrentyourhome.Call215-560-1583togetanapplication.

PECO’s Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES)

CallPECO’s1-800-774-7040CARESlinetofindoutifyouqualifyforassistancewithyourheatingbill.



Carbonmonoxideisasilentkiller.Itisacolorlessandodorlessgas.Eachyear,morethan200peopleintheU.S.diefromcarbonmonoxidepoisoning.Fuelburningappliances,suchasfurnacesandwaterheaters,arecommonsourcesofcarbonmonoxidepoisoning.Winterweatherbringsdangerousconditions.Knowthedangersofcarbonmonoxidefumesinresidentialdwellings.

Dangerouslevelsofcarbonmonoxidecanbeproducedfromimproperlyventedfurnaces,pluggedorcrackedchimneys,waterheaters,fireplaces,stoves,clothesdryers,andvehicletailpipes.

Headacheisthemostcommonsymptomofcarbonmonoxidepoisoning.Symptomsmayalsoincludedizziness,chestpain,nauseaandvomiting.Highlevelsofcarbonmonoxidecancauseunconsciousnessanddeath.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Leaveyourhomeorbuildingimmediately.• Getanyvictimstofreshairimmediately.• Call9-1-1.• Callyourheatingutility.

Thesesafetytipscanhelpprotectyoufromcarbonmonoxidepoisoning:

• Makesureallfuel-burningitems–furnaces,boilers,hotwaterheaters,andclothesdryers–areproperlyventilated.

• Ifyouhaveaworkingfireplace,keepchimneyscleanandclearofdebris.• Neveruseyouroventoheatyourhome.• Neveroperategasorcharcoalbarbequegrills,kerosene-oroil-burningheaters

inanenclosedspace.• Makesureyouhaveaworkingcarbonmonoxidedetector.

Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Youshouldhaveatleastonesmokealarmoneachlevelofyourhomeandineachbedroom.

CarbonmonoxidedetectorsarenowrequiredinallresidentialdwellingsinPhiladelphia.Theyshouldbeinstalledwithin15feetoftheentrancetoeachenclosedbedroomorwithin15feetofabedinasleepingareathatisnotenclosed.Or,onecarbonmonoxidedetectorshouldalsobeinstalledinthehallwaythatcontainsbedroomsifthedetectorcanbecentrallylocatedwithin15feetofeachbedroom.

Testyoursmokealarmsandcarbonmonoxidedetectorsmonthly.Ifyouralarmdoesnothavea10-yearlithiumbattery,changethebatteriesandchangethebatteriestwotimesayearwhenyouchangeyourclocks.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

page9/WinterTips



Blizzard Warning:Strongwinds,blindingwind-drivensnowanddangerouswindchillsareexpectedinthenextfewhours.

Freezing Rain:Rainfreezeswhenithitstheground,creatingalayeroficeonsurfaces,trees,andpowerlines.

Ice Storm Warning: Morethan¼”oficeisexpectedtoaccumulateonsurfaces.

Sleet: Rainturnstoicepelletsbeforereachingtheground.

Snow Advisory: Snowfallofonetofourinchesisexpectedwithina12-hourperiod.

Snow Emergency: PhiladelphiamaydeclareaSnowEmergencywhenawinterstormisexpectedtocreatehazardousordangeroushighwayconditionsforvehiclesandpedestrians.DuringaSnowEmergency,driversmustmoveparkedandstalledvehiclesfromSnowEmergencyroutesforplowing.Whenrelocatingyourvehicle,parkitasfarawayaspossiblefromthestreetcorner.Vehiclesparkedtooclosetothecornerpreventplowtrucksfrommakingturns.

DuringaSnowEmergency,vehiclesleftonSnowEmergencyRouteswillbeticketedandtowed.If

yourvehicleistowedduringaSnowEmergency,calltheStreetsDepartmentat215-686-SNOWtofindoutwhereithasbeenrelocated.Donotcall9-1-1.

FormoreinformationaboutandamapamapandlistofSnowEmergencyRoutes,seepages13to15,orvisit:http://www.philadelphiastreets.com/highways/snow/emergency-routes

Winter Storm Warning: Astormwithsixormoreinchesofsnow,sleetand/orfreezingrainisexpectedwithina24-hourperiod.

Winter Storm Watch: Heavysnowand/oriceispossiblewithin36hours.

Winter Weather Advisory: Asmallamountofsnow,sleetand/orfreezingrainisexpected.

Winter Weather Words

page10/WinterTips



Haveyourvehiclecheckedforthewinterdrivingseason.Makesurethebrakes,battery,hoses,andbeltsareingoodcondition.Beforetraveling,regularlycheckyourvehicletomakesurethat:

• Fluidlevelsarefull.• Wiperbladesdon’tstreak.Installwinterwiperblades.• Heateranddefrosterareworkingproperly.• Radioisworkingproperlysoyoucanreceivewinter

weatherupdates,roadconditions,andtrafficreports.• Alllightsareworking.• Tiresareproperlyinflatedandhavesufficienttread.

Considerinstallingsnowtiresorcarryasetoftirechains.

If you must travel during severe snow or ice storms:

•Usepublictransportation.

If you must drive during these storms:

• Avoiddrivinguntilroadcrewsclearroadways.• Beforestartingyourcar,clearsnowfromthetailpipeto

preventcarbonmonoxidepoisoning.• Completelyclearyourvehicle,includingwindows,mirrors,

roof,trunk,hood,andlights,ofsnowandice.• Travelindaylightanddon’ttravelalone.• Stayonmainroads.• Beawareofpotentiallyicyareas,suchasshadyspotsand

bridges.• Driveatspeedsdictatedbyconditions.

Get Your Vehicle Ready

• Keepasafedistanceofatleast8to10secondsbehindothervehiclesandtrucksthatareplowingtheroadway.

• Donotpassasnowploworspreaderunlessitisabsolutelynecessary.Treatthesevehiclesasyouwouldemergencyresponsevehicles.

• Carryamobilephone.• Letfamilyorfriendsknowyourtravel

scheduleandroutes.• Keepasmallsackofsandorkitty

litterinyourcarforgeneratingtractionunderwheels.

Emergency Travel Kit

Alwayskeepanemergencytravelkitinyourvehicleincaseitbreaksdownorifyouneedtopulloverduetodangerousconditions.

•Flashlightandextrabatteries•Battery-operatedorwind-upradio•Jumpercables•Emergencyflares•Fluorescentdistressflag•Towchainsorrope•Mobilephoneandcharger•Firstaidsupplies•Warmclothing,hatsandmittens

page11/WinterTips



Disruption to Utility Services

If You Smell Gas:• DONOTsmokeorlightlightersor

matches.Iftheodorisverystrong,donotuseyourphoneoroperateanylightswitchesorelectricaldevices–anysparkcouldcauseafire.

• Openwindows.• Evacuate immediately, then call 9-1-1 or

PGW at 215-235-1212.

If You Have Water or Sewer Problems:• Alwayshaveathree-daysupplyofwater

onhand.Thatmeans,threegallonsofwaterforeachpersonandeachpet.

• Ifyouseewatercomingupfromthegroundorroad,suspectawatermainbreak,orhaveeithernowaterorverylowwaterpressure,callthePhiladelphiaWaterDepartmentat215-685-6300.

• Bereadytoprovidethefollowinginformation:adescriptionofthecondition,whatisbeingaffected(street,basement,subway),theexactlocationoftheproblem,andyourname,address,andtelephonenumber.

• Ifthereisaconcernaboutdrinkingwaterquality,officialswilltellyouwhatactionstotake.

page12/WinterTips

If There Is a Power Outage:

•Callimmediatelytoreporttheoutage. PECO Energy Emergency Hotline: 1-800-841-4141 PECO Energy Customer Service: 1-800-494-4000

• Disconnectorturnoffallappliancesthatwouldotherwisegoonautomaticallywhenthepowercomesbackon.Ifseveralappliancesstartupatonce,theycouldoverloadthecircuits.

• Topreventfoodspoilage,keeprefrigeratorandfreezerdoorsclosedasmuchaspossible.Eachtimethedoorisopened,heatentersandspeedsupthethawingprocess.

• Stayindoors,ifpossible.• Nevertouchorgoneardownedpowerlines.• Donotburncharcoalindoors,anddonotuseyourkitchen

gasrangeorstovetoheatrooms.Thesemightcauseafireorahazardoussmokecondition.

• Donotusegeneratorsindoors.Theycancreateadeadlycarbonmonoxidebuildup.

• Keepabatteryoperatedorwind-upradiotunedtolocalnewsstationsforupdates.

• Useabatteryoperatedorwind-upflashlightinsteadofcandles.

If You Lose Phone Service:• Useyourmobilephone,orborrowonefromaneighbor,to

callyourproviderandreporttheoutage• Youcouldlosephoneserviceduringapoweroutageif

yourphoneneedsanelectricaloutlettowork.It’sagoodideatohavealand-linephonethatjustplugsintothephonejackanddoesn’tneedelectricitytowork.



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CH

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TOPH

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LUM

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S

18TH

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WA

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UNIVERSITY

GIRARD

KEMBLE

CAR

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N

SEMINOLE

67TH

EVANS

VENANGO

LINDB

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PINE

54TH

22N

D

WO

OD

HAV

EN

02N

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F

FOX

GIRARD

GIRARD

63R

D

RO

OS

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LT

WELSH

WE

LSH

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02N

D

FRO

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WELSH

65TH

CASTO

R

66TH

20TH

RISING SUN

CITY OF PHILADELPHIASnow Emergency Routes

Snow Emergency Routes

Arterial Streets

Philadelphia City Limits

5/5/2010 (MM)

Map of Philadelphia’s Snow Emergency Routes



List of Philadelphia Snow Emergency Routes (page one)

When snow accumulations approach emergency status, usually 12 inches or more, the Managing Director may declare a Snow Emergency.

When a Snow Emergency is declared, the City's 110 miles of Snow Emergency Routes receive priority.

Owners of vehicles and dumpsters must move them from Snow Emergency Routes to different parking spaces so City crews can clear snow from curb-to-curb on the Snow Emergency Routes.

Any vehicle remaining on a Snow Emergency Route during the declaredSnow Emergency will be ticketed and towed.

If your car is towed, call 215-686-SNOW for its location. Do NOT call 911.

Philadelphia’s

Snow Emergency Routes

On From To

6th Street I-676 Off Ramp Market Street

7th Street Market Street I-676 On Ramp

15th Street I-676 Off Ramp Market Street

16th Street Market Street I-676 On Ramp

20th Street Chestnut Street Market Street

26th Street I-76 On / Off Ramps Penrose Ave

34th Street University Avenue Grays Ferry Avenue

38th Street Walnut Street University Avenue

63rd Street City Avenue Walnut Street

Academy Road Frankford Avenue Grant Avenue

Allegheny Avenue Hunting Park Avenue I-95 On / Off Ramps

Ben Franklin Parkway Art Museum Circle 16th Street

Bridge Street Harbison Avenue I-95 On Ramp

Broad Street Cheltenham Avenue I-95 On / Off Ramps

Bustleton Avenue Frankford Avenue County Line Road

Chestnut Street Cobbs Creek Parkway 20th Street

City Avenue City Boundary I-76 On Ramps

Cobbs Creek Parkway Walnut Street Woodland Avenue

Cottman Avenue I-95 Off Ramp Fillmore Street

Whensnowaccumulationsapproachemergencystatus,usually12inchesormore,theManagingDirectormaydeclareaSnowEmergency.

WhenaSnowEmergencyisdeclared,theCity’s110milesofSnowEmergencyRoutesreceivepriority.

OwnersofvehiclesanddumpstersmustmovethemfromSnowEmergencyRoutestodifferentparkingspacessoCitycrewscanclearsnowfromcurb-to-curbontheSnowEmergencyRoutes.

AnyvehicleremainingonaSnowEmergencyRouteduringthedeclaredSnowEmergencywillbeticketedandtowed.

Ifyourcaristowed,call215-686-SNOWforitslocation.DoNOTcall911.



List of Philadelphia Snow Emergency Routes (page two)

On From To

Enterprise Avenue Island Avenue I-95 On / Off Ramps

Germantown Avenue N. Broad Street Northwestern Avenue

Girard Avenue Lancaster Avenue I-95 On / Off Ramps

Grant Avenue Welsh Road Academy Road

Grays Ferry Avenue 34th Street Washington Avenue

Harbison Avenue Bridge Street Roosevelt Boulevard

Henry Avenue Cathedral Road Hunting Park Avenue

Hunting Park Avenue Henry Avenue Kelly Drive

Island Avenue Woodland Avenue Enterprise Avenue

Kelly Drive Lincoln Drive Art Museum Circle

Lancaster Avenue City Avenue Girard Avenue

Lincoln Avenue Ridge Avenue Wissahickon Avenue

Market Street Schuylkill Avenue I-95 On Ramp

Ogontz Avenue Washington Lane Cheltenham Avenue

Poplar Street West College Avenue Girard Avenue

Princeton Avenue Torresdale Avenue I-95 On / Off Ramp

Ridge Avenue (North) Northwestern Avenue Cathedral Road

Ridge Avenue (South) Walnut Lane City Avenue On Ramp

Roosevelt Boulevard 9th Street City Boundary

Schuylkill Avenue Market Street Walnut Street

Sedgley Avenue Allegheny Avenue Allegheny Avenue

Stenton Avenue Northwestern Avenue Broad Street

Tacony Street / State Road Bridge Street Tacony-Palmyra Bridge

Torresdale Avenue Cottman Avenue Princeton Avenue

University Avenue 38th / 39th Street 34th Street

Walnut Lane Wayne Avenue Ridge Avenue

Walnut Street Broad Street Cobbs Creek Parkway

Washington Avenue Grays Ferry Avenue Christopher Columbus Boulevard

Washington Lane Wayne Avenue Ogontz Avenue

Wayne Avenue Walnut Lane Washington Lane

Welsh Road City Boundary Grant Avenue

West College Avenue Poplar Street Girard Avenue

West River Drive Art Museum Circle Falls Bridge

Wissahickon Avenue Lincoln Drive Walnut Lane

Woodland Avenue Cobbs Creek Parkway University Avenue

page15/WinterTips



How to Stay Informed

Herearesomeadditionalresourcestoconsiderwhenpreparingforsevereweatherconditions,includingwinterweather.

Philadelphia Office of Emergency ManagementFollowtheOfficeofEmergencyManagementonsocialmedia–@PhilaOEMonTwitter,Facebook,Google+,Blogger,LinkedInanditsYouTubechannel.

Tolearnhowtoprepareforanemergency:Website:www.phila.gov/readyEmailusat:[email protected]:Philly3-1-1,Channel64-Philadelphia’sGovernmentAccessstation.

ReadyPhiladelphiaSignupforemergencytextandemailalertsfromtheOfficeofEmergencyManagementthroughReadyPhiladelphia.

Inadditiontoemergencyalerts,youcansignupforweatheralerts,alertsfromthePhiladelphiaPrisonsinNortheastPhiladelphia,andthePESrefineryinSouthwestPhiladelphia.

Signupatwww.phila.gov/ready.Then,followthesignupinstructionstochoosethealertsthatyouwanttoreceive.

Philly311TherearelotsofwaystoconnectwithPhilly311:

• InPhiladelphia,dial3-1-1.

• ForcallersoutsidePhiladelphiaorforthosewithVOiP(VoiceoverInternetProtocol),dial215-686-8686.

• DownloadthePhilly311freemobileappfromtheappstoreviayoursmartdevice(phone,tablet,etc.).

• AskaquestionorsubmitarequestusingFacebookorTwitter@Philly311.

• [email protected].

Other Sources:

Local News StationsGetthelatestweatherupdates,roadconditions,schoolclosings,andthestatusofcityagenciesandcourtclosingsfromlocalradioandTVnewsstations.

Ifyouhavecable,tunetoChannel64,Philadelphia’sGovernmentAccessChannel,duringSnowEmergencies

Philadelphia Streets Department Call:215-686-5560Website:philadelphiastreets.com

Philadelphia Water Toreportwatermainbreakandcloggeddrains:Call:215-685-6300Website:phillywatersheds.org

PECO EmergencyHotline:1-800-841-4141

CustomerService:1-800-494-4000

PennDOTForroadconditionsonPennsylvaniainterstatehighways:TollFree:1-888-783-6783OutofState:1-717-783-5186Website:www.dot.state.pa.us

PGWContactPGWtoreportgasleaksandemergencies,24hoursaday.Ifyousmellgasorhaveanunsafecondition,immediatelycall:215-235-1212.

CustomerService-Billing,GeneralInformation,andSpecialPrograms:Call:215-235-1000Website:www.pgworks.com

SEPTABus,subway,trolley,regionalrail,andCCTConnecttraveladvisories:Website:www.septa.org

National Weather Service Website:www.weather.gov

Project HomeIfyouseeahomelesspersonwhomayneedassistance,callProjectHomeOutreachHotlineat215-232-1984.Duringthecall,bepreparedtoprovidetheaddress,locationanddescriptionofthepersoninneed.

page16/WinterTips

A Winter Weather Guide - Philadelphia · contribute to how warm or cold you feel. Check on children and seniors, especially in cold weather. Here are some tips for keeping warm: •

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