Boston Deploys 32,000 Tons of Salt, 175 Snow Plows for Winter

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has announced that the city is ready for whatever winter throws at it. During a news conference on Monday, Dec. 8, she thanked city employees and public works crews for stocking safety resources and preparing for unpredictable conditions.

“We know that winter can be quite unpredictable these days. Here in our city, you have to be ready for a major snowstorm, or you have to be ready for flooding at any moment's notice,” Wu said in remarks shared by the Boston Globe.

Boston has spent the last several months stocking up on supplies to combat the worst of winter weather. Approximately 32,000 tons of salt, 175 pieces of snow-clearing equipment, and 800 contractor assets are ready for deployment, according to the Globe.

Expanded shelter capacity is also underway for those among vulnerable populations during extreme cold. According to Sheila Dillon, chief of housing, there are approximately 1,250 beds in the shelter system and roughly 150 extra beds across local shelters.

Road safety measures are also in place, said Nick Gove, Boston's interim chief of streets. He urged city residents to be patient as plows prioritize main roads, then other roads as quickly as possible.

Matthew Kearney, deputy chief of emergency management, urged residents to sign up for AlertBoston, a service that provides information on emergency weather conditions. Brianna Millor, chief of community engagement, encouraged Bostonians to contact their neighborhood liaison or the 311 line if they need support or if their property has been damaged by extreme weather.

Tania Del Rio, commissioner of the inspectional services department, also urged residents to follow safety protocols related to heating systems. Del Rio reminded residents to never use grills, stoves, or other devices for indoor heating and to ensure that exterior vents are clear of snow to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide.

“Snow and ice season is a team effort,” Gove said at the news conference. “The city of Boston is ready for whatever winter brings.”