City Provides Updates as it Responds to First Winter Storm of the Year

City opens 20 new Warming Centers keeping people warm inside during Code Blue

PHILADELPHIA - The City of Philadelphia today continued its response to the winter storm and announced the opening of the City's new Warming Center Initiative, an additional measure being taken to provide people with an indoor space where they can stay warm as extremely cold temperatures occur.

As the snow moves out, freezing cold temperatures and higher wind gusts will remain this week. Due to the extremely cold conditions, Office of Homeless Services (OHS) declared a Code Blue on Thursday, January 2 until further notice. During this time the City is implementing special measures to keep people who are homeless safe. If you see someone who needs shelter, call (215) 232-1984.

"The freezing temperatures outside can be life threatening. These new Warming Centers are not just for people experiencing homelessness or sleeping outdoors. Anyone is welcome. In the case of power outages, for example, some people may need to visit a warming center," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "We remain committed to ensuring there are quick and easy ways for people to stay safe, like keeping warm during Code Blue events, and are always looking for new ways to keep our residents and most vulnerable populations connected to services."

Warming Centers
On Sunday, January 5, in preparation for the storm and frigid weather, the Office of Homeless Services immediately opened two Warming Centers at the Juniata Older Adult Center (1251 E. Sedgley Avenue), and Inn of Amazing Mercy (115 E. Huntingdon Street) located in Kensington. By the end of the day, 43 individuals had visited the centers with the OHS team helping to move six of those individuals into shelters after they requested that service.

Given the forecast for very low temperatures and winds throughout the coming week, 20 Warming Centers are now open throughout the city. Warming Centers are made possible in partnership with the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and Project HOME.

How to Access a Warming Center

• Find a Warming Center location online here.

• Walk into any Warming Center.

• Call the City's Homeless Street Outreach Team at (215) 232-1984.

How to Access a Shelter Bed

OHS has added 100 additional beds in shelters to accommodate increased need during the Code Blue. Anyone needing shelter may walk into any City-funded intake center or call Homeless Street Outreach at (215) 232-1984.

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) opened the City's Emergency Operations Center on Sunday, January 5 to coordinate both the winter storm response and Warming Center operation to create a common planning picture, provide real-time problem solving, and monitor the storm's development and any impacts.

"While the snowfall in the Philadelphia region has concluded, the Streets Department crews continue to make sure streets are treated and safe and are on standby to assist as needed," said Managing Director Adam K. Thiel. "Thanks to precautions all of our departments have taken to be fully prepared based on the snow forecast uncertainty, we are in great shape and continue to focus on emergency care for residents while a Code Blue is active and will continue to do so given the predicted below-freezing temperatures throughout the week."

The Department of Streets began snow operations on Saturday, January 4 with crews pre-treating the roadways in preparation of the winter weather event. This morning, the City began salting all residential city roadways at approximately 7 a.m. Additional teams are on standby to assist with a salting and plowing operation as needed. The City currently has:

• 350 pieces of equipment treating the streets,

• 45,000 tons of salt,

• and 500 City workers supporting this winter weather event.

"While many residents in Philadelphia live on narrow streets with little room to move snow, it is important for residents and business owners to know that throwing snow into the street while shoveling and cleaning cars has a negative impact on snow removal operations and we ask them to please find another place for their removed snow," said Kristin Del Rossi, Commissioner, Department of Streets.

The City asks for residents' and businesses' patience as crews continue to treat roads. Crews will remain on duty to monitor road conditions and respond to service requests of impassable streets or icy conditions.

Reminders:

• Residential sidewalks should be cleared at least 36 inches wide within six (6) hours of the storm ending.

• Do not shovel or plow snow into the street. This practice is illegal, unsafe and hinders snow operations. The penalty for violating this can range from $50 to $300 for each violation.

• Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.

• Motorists should allow extra time, exercise patience and maintain safe driving distances.

For more information, please visit the Department of Streets Snow Events webpage.

Sanitation and Recycling Collections
Sanitation is working today to collect trash and recycling. Residents whose normal collection day is Monday should set their materials out as usual, including areas with twice weekly pickups. Sanitation collections will be on regular schedule throughout the week. We ask residents patience as crews navigate through the inclement weather.

Residents can track the progress of collections on their block by clicking on the PickupPHL tab at streetsmartphl.phila.gov. Updates can also be found at phila.gov/sanitation and on social media.

To avoid collection delays, residents are strongly encouraged to use Sanitation Convenience Centers that are open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Information for Businesses
All property owners and/or tenants are responsible for clearing a 36-inch path on all sidewalks, including curb cuts, abutting the building or premises within six hours after the snow has ceased to fall-even if the establishment is temporarily closed.

Food Sites
Visit phila.gov/food to view specific site schedules. Please call the number listed before you go to verify the site is open.

Health Department
Excessive cold can cause serious health issues. Be aware of the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia, both of which require immediate medical attention. Find information and tips on preventing cold-related illness in the Philadelphia Department of Public Health's winter weather preparedness guide.

Water Department
Prolonged periods of cold weather can cause water pipes to freeze and burst in your property. Extreme cold also increases the risk of water main breaks. The Water Department has information available on the department's website to help customers avoid costly breaks and respond to other winter water emergencies.

For emergencies outside the home, the Water Department hotline is staffed 24 hours a day and customers should call (215) 685-6300 to report issues like broken mains and clogged storm inlets.

Pet Safety Awareness
Residents should contact the ACCT Philly hotline at (267) 385-3800 ext. 1 if they observe a dog outside during extreme cold (aside from bathroom breaks and short walks). It is against City ordinance to leave dogs outside in extreme cold without proper shelter, and owners can be fined up to $500.

Philadelphia Police Department
The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) has been actively monitoring conditions and addressing weather-related issues to keep residents safe. Thanks to widespread cooperation and cautious driving, the city has seen only a modest increase in traffic crashes - comparable to a rainy day. While this is encouraging, remember that City crews are working tirelessly to clear streets, and everyone's continued vigilance is essential.

When driving, use caution as blowing snow on roads and refreeze can cause slippery conditions. Black ice which can be hard to see, especially at night.

The PPD's 911 centers have fielded a variety of snow-related calls, including reports of concerns for individuals experiencing homelessness. The department thanks residents for reporting these incidents and reminds everyone to continue doing so to ensure vulnerable community members receive help.

As a reminder, "saving" parking spots with household items is against the law and has historically been a common source of disputes during storm events. Residents are encouraged to avoid this practice to prevent unnecessary conflict. Concerns about parking spot savers should be reported to 311, or to 911 if the situation escalates.

Philadelphia Fire Department
The City's firefighters ask that while shoveling, please clear space around fire hydrants on your block. This will help firefighters find and access the hydrant during an emergency response.

Fallen Trees
The Department of Parks & Recreation reminds residents that if a tree falls during a storm and it's blocking a road, or it has fallen on a house, car or other property, call 911. A crew of arborists from Parks & Recreation are on-call to respond to tree emergencies and they will come out to remove the hazard and any part of the tree that is an immediate risk to public safety. Other parts of the tree that don't pose an immediate risk (such as tree trunks and stumps) will be removed at a later time so crews can focus on other safety hazards around the city during extreme weather events.

In the event that a tree has fallen on electrical wires, please call PECO's emergency line: 1-800-841-4141. For other non-emergency downed trees, residents can submit a request through Philly 311.

PHL International Airport
Travelers and those picking up travelers are encouraged to check their flight status and road conditions before leaving for the airport on Saturday and Sunday. Call your airline, get updates at 1-800-PHL-GATE (745-4283), or check the PHL International Airport website at phl.org. The airport has snow removal and deicing operations planned for the duration of the event.
Stay Informed:

• Tune to local news for weather updates.

• Sign up for free emergency alerts and weather updates from ReadyPhiladelphia by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 for free phone alerts or customize free text and email alerts by visiting the Office of Emergency Management's website at phila.gov/ready.

• For official updates from the City, follow @PhilaOEM on X or Facebook.

• Other City X accounts to follow for information: @PhiladelphiaGov, @Philly311 and @PhilaStreets.