Providence, RI – In preparation for the winter season, councilors have scheduled committee meetings with City departments to ensure that Providence is fully prepared for any extreme winter weather events.
Officials from the Department of Public Works and Providence Emergency Management Agency have been asked to present to the Special Committee on Ways & Means on the third floor of City Hall at 5:30 p.m. on October 20th. Other departments will share their snow emergency preparedness plans in follow-up meetings on November 17th and December 15th.
“Providence was hit by two historic winter storms last winter, and the City was not adequately prepared to meet the challenge. Our neighbors felt the consequences,” said Ways & Means Chair Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6). “Ahead of this upcoming winter, the Council will receive a comprehensive briefing on the City’s winter weather plans to ensure every department is prepared to respond quickly and effectively when the next major snowstorm hits.”
The current agenda:
October 20th
- PEMA: Snow preparation planning; winter weather unified command
- DPW: Snow operations planning, including public right of way, staffing status, equipment, and material status
November 17th
- Public Property: Snow operations planning for municipal buildings
- Parks: Snow operations planning for parks and public right of way
- Housing and Human Services: Warming center and shelter status
December 15th
- TBD
Councilors said they are looking to see before, during, and after-action plans for extreme winter weather, including items like the City’s inventory of snow removal equipment, the protection of the homeless community, parking ban enforcement and notifications, protocols for clearing sidewalks and streets in all wards, bus stop accessibility, cooperation with state agencies, and pothole and flood mitigation after heavy snowfall.
Visit the Public Meetings Portal as committee meeting agenda items are subject to change.
