TOPSHOT – A person shovels snow in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 30, 2022. – Blinding snow whipped up by powerful winds pummeled the eastern United States into the early hours of January 30, as one of the strongest winter storms in years triggered transport chaos and power outages across a region of some 70 million people.
Winter is around the corner and Mayor Michelle Wu said on Wednesday the city of Boston is prepared for anything it brings.
While at the Boston Public Works yard, Wu said the city wants to be "prepared for anything" this winter season. She said there are about 44,000 tons of salt across the city, 175 pieces of snow clearing equipment that are ready to go, with 800 more to be deployed in extreme weather.
"Winter doesn't stand a chance in Boston because we are ready," said Wu.
She said that preparing for winter isn't just about streets and sidewalks, but also about keeping the people of Boston warm and safe.
"This is the time when the cost of utility goes up and can put a strain on families and small businesses," said Wu. "We want to encourage all of our Boston families to look into Boston Community Choice Electric, which provides three options for electricity prices."
Wu said the city-run program's standard rates are inexpensive when compared to Eversource.
Although the bitter cold isn't new to New Englanders, she reminded residents to dress in layers, wear a hat and gloves. Wu also asked residents to help each other during the cold weather.
"If you see our unhoused or elderly neighbors who are outside or someone who might seem like they need help or disorientated or underdressed in the snow... please call 911to make sure they can get help and support right away," said Wu.
When it comes to the homeless population, Sheila Dillon, chief of housing, said there's a plan in place to make sure they are safe this winter.
Dillon said the Boston Public Health Commission, Pine Street, Victory Programs, Boston Rescue Mission, Bay Cove, the New England Center for Homeless Veterans and Bridge Over the Troubled Waters have about 1,030 emergency beds for the homeless.
"In addition, the city has stood up 219 low threshold beds for individuals that, because of substance use disorders and mental health issues, need less populated facilities and additional support services," said Dillon.
However, to deal with the increase demand that Boston is seeing, Dillon said an additional 120 emergency shelter beds and 55 warming spaces were added this fall.
"In cold and in inclement weather, no one will be turned away," she said.
Regionally, Dillon said the state has secured over 400 additional overflow winter beds for the homeless and communities outside of Boston.
"This work is very important because securing spaces that are outside of Boston, people can stay in their communities and it relieves pressure from our Boston shelter system," she said.
For more information on resources and services, visit boston.gov.
