Here's the press release:
City Deactivates Emergency Operations Center
Plowing Operations Will Continue
Code Blue Remains in Effect
PHILADELPHIA, PA –With the winter storm winding down, Mayor Michael A. Nutter, City of Philadelphia Managing Director Camille Cates Barnett, PhD and Streets Department Commissioner Clarena I. W. Tolson have announced that the Snow Emergency declared for Philadelphia will be officially over at noon today, and the City's Emergency Operations Center has been deactivated.
Commissioner Tolson asks residents to continue to follow regulations so crews can continue to safely and effectively remove snow from the roadways:
Park vehicles at least 20 feet from the corner, as required by law. Cars parked too close to the corner limit our ability to salt and plow roads.
It is dangerous and illegal to shovel or plow snow into the street. Placing snow in the street after it has been cleared will create dangerous icy patches.
Please place snow in a safe place on your property so that snow mounds do not obstruct the cleared pathway.
Drive with caution as black ice is expected to form on the roadways.
Clear a sidewalk path at least 30" wide within 6 hours of the end of the storm.
Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.
Stay tuned to local media for updates.
If your car has been towed from a Snow Emergency Route, call 215-686-SNOW for its location. Do NOT call 911.
Trash and recycling pickups have been cancelled for Thursday and Friday and will be picked up on Thursday and Friday next week. For Monday and Tuesday collections in driveways, residents are asked to place trash and recycling in the front of their properties next week.
The Fire Department requests that residents help in digging out fire hydrants so they are readily available to firefighters should a fire occur, and the Water Department asks residents to clear snow and ice from storm drains on their block so melting runoff can follow freely to the drains. The Department of Licenses and Inspections urges residents to use caution if standing under or near awnings and porches that may be impacted by the weight of snow. If these structures appear to be buckling, Commissioner Burns asks residents to stay clear from them and call a professional contractor to clear the snow and make any necessary repairs to ensure that they are structurally sound.
Health Commissioner Donald Schwarz urges the public to check in on older friends, relatives, and neighbors before and during a snowstorm, to check on the availability of heat in the home, to offer transportation, and to help with running errands such as grocery shopping.
"Those not used to regular exercise should work slowly and be cautious because shoveling snow is a high intensity exercise," said Dr. Schwarz. "Senior citizens and others with back problems or heart conditions should refrain from physical exertion like shoveling snow, or walking long distance. It is also important for everyone to avoid alcoholic beverages during cold weather."
Those at higher risk for heart attacks from snow shoveling include smokers, individuals with high "bad" cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes.
The health department recommends the following snow shoveling tips:
Warm up with some stretching exercises inside.
Start slowly and pace yourself. Shovel no more than five loads a minute; don't shovel for more than 15 minutes without taking a break. Pause to stretch every five minutes by standing up straight.
Push the snow. Don't lift. If you must lift, use your legs not your back.
Drink during breaks to avoid dehydration. Breathing cold dry air robs moisture from your body with every breath.
Never throw over your shoulder. Twisting can strain the back. Face the snow being shoveled, keep your back straight and knees bent and throw in front of you.
Dress warmly in layers with a hat. Cover your neck.
Take smaller scoops of snow, keeping them light and small.
Don't work up a sweat. Bodies lose heat faster in damp clothes, which makes you more prone to injury. Take a break if you're beginning to sweat.
Don't smoke or eat a heavy meal before shoveling. It's harder on the heart.
Don't hold your breath; this makes your heart rate and blood pressure rise. Don't feel the job has to get done in one session.
Don't smoke or eat a heavy meal before shoveling. It's harder on the heart. Don't hold your breath; this makes your heart rate and blood pressure rise.
In an emergency, call 911, or go to an emergency room. Until medical help arrives, protect someone suffering from exposure to the cold with extra blankets and clothing.
The Code Blue remains in effect to provide additional support to the homeless. If you see a homeless person in need of assistance, please call the Homeless Outreach Coordination Center at 215-232-1984.
In addition, the Pennsylvania SPCA reminds pet owners that cold weather can affect pets, especially if a pet's coat gets wet. A pet's toes, nose, and ears are very vulnerable to chilly temperatures. The SPCA urges pet owners to protect their pets from extreme temperatures by bringing them indoors during cold weather.
To report fallen trees in Philadelphia, call 311. Always consider that downed electrical wires are energized and DO NOT TOUCH them. Report downed wires to PECO immediately at 1-800-841-4141. To report power outages call PECO at 1-800-494-4000.
For additional information or updates on the storm, visit the Office of Emergency Management's website at www.phila.gov/ready, sign up for weather alerts from ReadyNotifyPA, or follow updates on the Office of Emergency Management's Blogspot, Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace or Twitter pages. The City's 3-1-1 Center will remain open until 8:00 p.m.