Get Prepared
Take Steps Before the Storm
Winter storms can encompass freezing rain, icy conditions, moderate snowfall lasting a few hours, or even transform into blizzard conditions characterized by blinding wind-driven snow, which may persist for several days.
Please remember to sign up for emergency notifications through Code Red and PVD311.
You can also follow us on social media for weather and city service updates.
Facebook: City of Providence
Twitter: @CityofProv
Prepare Your Home or Business
Be sure to check for debris that are clogging storm drains closest to your home or business. Removing debris can minimize flooding when snow and ice melt.
Before the storm arrives, spread salt on your sidewalks to prevent ice formation. Homeowners and business owners must ensure sidewalks are kept clear of snow and ice. If neglected, fines of up to $500 will be issued.
After the Storm
• Clear snow away from fire hydrants. This will make it easier for the Fire Department to locate the hydrant in the event of an emergency.
• Clear snow and ice from the catch basins and storm drains in front of your home or business. This will allow for proper drainage and will reduce the chance of flooding on the street and on your property.
• Check on neighbors and family members who may need some extra assistance.
All homeowners and business owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks of snow within 8 HOURS after it has stopped snowing.
• If it snowed overnight, clear sidewalks the next morning to help support commuters and students who may be using them and need an accessible path of travel.
• Be kind and consider your neighbors. Please clear at least a 36-inch (3-foot) wide path for people using wheelchairs and pushing strollers.
Stay Safe During Extreme Cold
When extreme cold and winter weather are forecasted, warming centers will be open to the public for those who need to seek temporary shelter in Providence. Information about warming centers can be found on the Warming Centers page.
If you are using portable heating devices, be sure to do so with caution.
• keep such devices away from all flammable materials.
• Install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (at least one of each per floor in your home)
If you have elderly or disabled neighbors or family, please check on them and lend a helping hand. In the case of an emergency, call 911.
Parking Bans
It is important to keep main roads clear for plows and emergency vehicles to clear streets properly and efficiently during extreme weather. You will be ticketed and towed if you park on a posted snow emergency street during a declared snow emergency.
Parking bans will be announced on radio, television, social media, as well as on the city webpage and via email to overnight parking permit holders. For more information, please call to connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1, visiting PVD311.COM, or downloading the PVD311 mobile app for 24/7 access.
Sign up to receive Parking Ban alerts.
