Manchester Activates Emergency Operations Center For Extended 96-Hour Winter Weather Event

MANCHESTER, NH — The city of Manchester Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is preparing for an extended winter weather event expected to last more than 96 hours, continuing through early next week.

An arctic cold front crossed the region Friday afternoon, followed by a dangerously cold air mass settling over the area through the weekend. In addition, a winter storm is forecast to bring moderate to heavy snowfall from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening.

In light of the extreme cold and anticipated snowfall, the Emergency Operations Center has been elevated to an enhanced monitoring level. All City departments and the Manchester School District are coordinating resources and communication efforts to ensure residents remain informed and safe throughout the duration of the event.

Due to the anticipated weather conditions, all city of Manchester offices will be closed on Monday. Essential public safety and emergency services will continue to operate.

Mayor Jay Ruais emphasized the importance of preparation ahead of the approaching storm.

“In advance of the winter storm projected to begin Sunday afternoon and continue through Monday, I encourage residents to review the information below and take steps now to prepare,” he said. “I want to thank our Department of Public Works, Fire Department, Police Department, and Emergency Management team for their hard work and coordination. Please take proper precautions and prepare accordingly.”

Initial Actions for Extreme Cold

Manchester Fire Department

• The Emergency Operations Center entered enhanced monitoring status Friday morning, with supplemental operations briefings to be issued twice daily.
• The City’s warming station at 39 Beech Street is operating with additional staffing.
• Squad 1 will be mobilized 24 hours a day through the conclusion of the winter event, conducting outreach to prevent cold-weather-related injuries and fatalities.
• Public safety messaging will be shared through City social media platforms and press releases

Preparation for Significant Snow Event

The Emergency Operations Center will coordinate with all City departments and the Manchester School District to ensure a unified response and to mobilize additional resources as conditions warrant.

Department of Public Works

• Snow removal and tree crews will be on standby throughout the entire weekend.
• Roadways will be prioritized during the storm, with one downtown sidewalk tractor operating continuously.
• Prior to the opening of schools, all school sidewalk routes and school parking lots will be plowed.
• Once roadways are cleared and snow is pushed back, plowing of remaining sidewalks will begin; depending on storm size and duration, sidewalk cleanup may take several days after the storm concludes.
• A Snow Emergency is likely to be declared the night after snowfall has stopped to allow for road cleanup and to improve safety for the traveling public

Manchester Police Department

• Vehicles will be towed during a declared Snow Emergency.
• Vehicles will be ticketed during a declared Snow Emergency

Safety Information for Residents

Residents are urged to take precautions during this period of extreme cold and snow.

Fire and Heating Safety

Heating equipment is a leading cause of fire in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal recommends the following safety measures:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.
• Turn portable heaters off before leaving a room or going to bed.
• Do not use an oven to heat your home.
• Never use generators indoors.
• Check fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.
• Never store fuel near generators or portable heaters.
• If you have a fire hydrant near your home and are able, please clear snow at least three feet around it to provide immediate access for the Manchester Fire Department in an emergency.

Protecting Your Home from the Cold

The National Weather Service recommends wrapping pipes with insulation and sealing windows to keep heat indoors. If pipes are located inside cabinets, opening cabinet doors can help warmair circulate around them. Allowing a slow stream of water to run through faucets may also help prevent pipes from freezing.

Pet Safety

If it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your pets. Residents are reminded to keep pets indoors during extreme cold. Animals left outside are at risk of freezing, becoming disoriented, lost, stolen, injured, or killed. Pets should never be left alone in vehicles during cold weather, as cars can trap cold air and cause animals to freeze.

The city of Manchester will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as necessary. Residents are encouraged to follow official city communication channels for the latest information.

Submitted by the city of Manchester