Medford Snow: Snow Storm Survival Guide

CORRECTION: A previous edition of this story stated that parking was allowed on the even-numbered side of the street. Since this winter season began in 2015, parking is allowed on the odd-numbered side of the street. 

MEDFORD, MA—Medford won’t likely be calling any snow emergencies this weekend, but winter weather in any capacity brings rule changes to the city.

Parking is allowed on the odd-numbered side of the streets during winter. Police can suspend both side parking if there are traffic issues, and street parking is suspended when there is a snow emergency

Residents are required to remove snow from sidewalks within six hours of snowfall. Failure to do so will result in a $25 fine, and $50 each day thereafter.

Here’s a list of useable and non-useable materials for snow and ice removal:

• Use ice melt with calcium chloride (CaCl2). It’s better for the environment and only a small amount is required to melt ice. Potassium chloride (KCl) is okay but be aware it can damage concrete.
• Use biodegradable cat litter as another good traction option.
• Avoid rock salt (NaCl or sodium chloride) – it kills plants and trees.
• Avoid sand. It doesn’t help pedestrians; it makes hard ice more slippery. It also gets into storm drains and catch basins and is expensive to clean up in the spring.

In the unlikely event of a power outage, here is National Grid’s outage central.

MEDFORD CONTACTS:

• Police: (781) 391-6404
• Fire: (781) 396-9400
• Public Works: (781) 393-2402

WINTER STORM RESOURCES

• How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Your Home in Winter
• Red Cross Snowstorm Safety Tips

Follow live storm updates from @NWSBoston:

Subscribe to Medford Patch for up-to-the-minute updates on the weather this weekend.