The following is helpful information related to winter storms, snow emergency parking bans, responsiblities of property owners following a major storm, and general safety.

If the City of Cambridge declares a Snow emergency, we will give as much advance notice as possible via our web site, City TV 8, local television stations and through the Traffic Department phone number at 617-349-4700. This number becomes a recorded information line during non-business hours. Residents, business owners and people who commute to Cambridge for work or school can also visit our website and sign up for Cambridge E-Line to receive e-mail notifications related to snow emergency and other helpful City information.

When a snow emergency is declared parking is prohibited on streets signed “No Parking during Snow Emergency.”   Check signs carefully. A list and a map of these particular streets can be viewed at http://www.cambridgema.gov/Traffic/Snow.cfm.

Some parking garages will provide free parking for a limited time during a declared snow emergency. See garage information further below, call 617-349-4700 or visit above website.

Cambridge property owners are required by law to remove snow from all sidewalks next to their home or business within 12 hours after snow stops falling in the daytime and before 1 p.m. when the snow has fallen overnight.

Owners of homes or businesses on corners or at crosswalks should clear wide openings (enough to allow for a stroller or wheelchair) on all adjacent sidewalks.

Following a major snowstorm, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will clear streets as soon as possible, starting with major arteries.  Please don’t take it personally if we plow snow back into your driveway, but as we work to keep streets passable, it is often unavoidable. The City’s goals of keeping streets open, returning streets and sidewalks to safe, travelable conditions quickly, and keeping them clear and accessible can only be accomplished with your participation.  For more information about the City’s snow removal operations and policies, call 617-349-4800 or visit www.cambridgema.gov/TheWorks/services/snow.html.

Available Off-Street Parking during Declared Snow Emergencies

Residents are responsible for moving their cars off the streets signed no parking during a declared snow emergency. We realize that finding parking can be difficult. There are four parking facilities that provide free parking during a declared snow emergency.

• Galleria Mall. Residents of East Cambridge can park for free in the Galleria Mall Garage during a declared snow emergency.
• First Street Garage. Enter on Spring Street. Parking is free if you have a Cambridge resident parking permit from the time the Snow Emergency is declared until 2 hours after it is lifted.
• Green Street Garage, Central Square. Parking is free if you have a Cambridge resident parking permit from the time the Snow Emergency is declared until 2 hours after it is lifted.
• 52 Oxford Garage. This is a Harvard owned and operated garage. When a Snow Emergency is declared it is open to City residents with a resident parking permit on a space available basis for no fee from the time the snow emergency is declared until one hour after the snow emergency is lifted. Space is limited, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. The University reserves the right to cease admittance due to capacity limitations and operation issues.

Tips on Preparing for Winter Storms
http://www.ci.cambridge.ma.us/%7EEM/stormsf.html  

Winter Driving Tips
http://www.ci.cambridge.ma.us/%7EEM/winterf.html

Important Telephone Numbers:

• Emergency: Dial 911
• Snow Emergency Parking Ban Status: 617-349-4700
• 24-Hour Recorded School Link Line: 617-349-6513
• Sidewalk Snow Hotline: 617-349-4903
• Public Works Dept: 617-349-4800
• Snow Exemption: low-income elderly/disabled persons: 617-349-6220
• Traffic Dept: 617-349-4700