Philadelphia Preparing For Weekend's Winter Weather

PHILADELPHIA – With winter weather in Philadelphia's forecast this weekend, the city is gearing up to handle any snow that falls this weekend.

The Streets Department and related agencies are rearing for the arrival of snow on Saturday, Dec. 9.

The Streets Department will have 70 trucks ready to treat the streets with over 50,000 tons of salt available, but salting on primary and secondary roads, bridge decks, and higher elevated streets won't start until the snow does, city officials said.

With winter weather comes concern for the city's homeless population, as well.

The Office of Homeless Services is declaring a Code Blue, starting Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7 am., ending Monday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m.

Philadelphia's homeless outreach teams will patrol the streets in greater numbers, urging homeless people to come to local shelters.

People do not need ID to enter Code Blue shelters or cafes from the street, and they can remain indoors throughout the duration of the Code Blue, the city said.

If you are concerned about someone who is homeless, please call the Outreach Coordination Center at (215) 232-1984 at any time. Outreach is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

First responders can also transport people to shelter for their own safety.

Citizens are urged to use caution while traveling as temperatures are expected to be just above freezing and can cause slippery conditions along with accumulated ice, officials said.

Motorists are advised to slow down and leave plenty of room in front of them to deal with sudden stopping.

In addition, be mindful of wet leaves which can create a slippery residue.

Citizens are also urged to use these simple tips for a successful snow and ice management:

• Have shovels and de-icing supplies ready.
• Salt steps and sidewalks early to prevent sticking.
• Shovel a pathway at least 3 feet wide within six hours of the end of the storm.
• Pile snow on the sidewalk along the curb line. Shoveling snow into a plowed street hinders plowing efforts and it is illegal.

Citizens should contact the ACCT Philly hotline – (267)385-3800 – if they see a dog or other pet outside during extreme cold.

It is against City ordinance to leave dogs outside in extreme cold without proper shelter, and owners can be fined up to $500.

The city offered several ways to stay informed during the winter weather:

• Tune in to local news for weather updates.
• Sign up for emergency alerts and weather updates from ReadyPhiladelphia at www.phila.gov/ready.
• For official updates from the City, follow @PhilaOEM on Twitter or find them on Facebook.
• Other City Twitter accounts to follow for information: @PhiladelphiaGov; @Philly311; @PhilaStreets; @PhillyPolice; and @PhillyFireDept.

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