Mayor Ras J. Baraka today urged residents to take necessary precautions as the latest forecast indicates up to 12 inches of snow for the Newark area.
The mayor has directed leadership and key staff from every essential city department to convene and prepare for anticipated weather developments. The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) team and city directors are joined in continuous communication with agencies including local hospitals, schools, and the utility companies. Updates and developments are being posted through the city’s official social media outlets, its webpage newarknj.gov, and the municipal station NWK-TV Channel 78. Additionally, the mayor is issuing citywide robocalls to residents as needed.
To facilitate fast effective snow removal, and to prevent your car from being towed, Mayor Baraka advises residents to obey snow parking regulations, and to hold their garbage and recycling. The Department of Public Works (DPW) Zone A collections are canceled for Monday, February 23.
"With up to 12 inches of snow expected by Monday, the city is primed and prepped to clear the streets and keep our residents safe,” said Mayor Baraka. “But as a community, all Newarkers have a role to play to get through this storm safely and clear the snow quickly. If you have a driveway, use it. Or park your car in one of the designated school lots available during the storm, so the plows can work faster and emergency vehicles can get where they are needed. And don’t forget to check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with medical needs.”
Mayor Baraka urges all residents and business owners to take heed of the following information.
City of Newark Snow Regulations:
- Failure to comply with “No Parking on Snow Covered Roadways” signs will result in towing. Vehicle owners will be responsible for towing costs.
- Double parked cars will also be towed.
- Residents with driveways should use them for parking. Additionally, these designated Newark Public School lots listed below are available for parking until 3 p.m. on Monday, February 23.
North Ward
Elliott St. School - 721 Summer Ave.
Park Elementary - 120 Manchester Pl.
Rafael Hernandez - 345 Broadway
Barringer HS - 90 Parker St.
Technology HS - 223 Broadway
South Ward
Belmont Runyon - 1 Belmont Runyon Way
George Washington Carver - 333 Clinton Pl.
Peshine Ave. - 433 Peshine Ave.
Quitman St. - 21 Quitman St.
Weequahic HS - 279 Chancellor Ave.
West Ward
Lincoln - 87 Richelieu Terrace
Mt. Vernon - 142 Mt. Vernon Pl.
Speedway - 701 So. Orange Ave.
Thirteenth Avenue - 359 13th Ave.
Ivy Hill - 107 Ivy St.
Central Ward
Camden Street - 281 Camden St.
Bard Early College - 321 Bergen St.
American History High School - 74 Montgomery St.
Central High School - 246 18th Ave.
East Ward
Ann Street School - 30 Ann St.
East Ward Elementary - 104 Oliver St.
South Street School - 44 Hermon St. - During snowstorms, the City mobilizes personnel and vehicles to spread salt and plow roads as conditions dictate. The first priority for salting is hills, bridges, and major arteries that lead in and out of the City’s borders.
- Enforcement of parking meter violations and alternate side of the street ticketing by the Newark Parking Authority has been suspended.
- Residents, business owners, and landlords are being reminded that anyone who shovels snow into City streets will face Municipal Court action and fines ranging from $100 to $1,000.
- You can assist Newark in weathering the snowstorm by committing to do a few neighborly things:
- If possible, share your driveway with neighbors.
- Clear snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of your storefront or home. (Remember that it’s the law to do so).
- Do not throw snow into the street.
- Clear snow away from hydrants.
Power Outage Preparations:
- Charge your cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices.
- Fill up your car’s fuel tank.
- Ensure you have a battery-powered radio and a supply of fresh batteries.
- Put your refrigerator and freezer at the coldest setting. Keep a blanket handy to throw over these appliances for added insulation. If electricity is interrupted, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- Sign up for MyAccount at www.pseg.com and bookmark the mobile-friendly homepage on your smart phone so it’s easy to report outages and check restoration progress.
- Downed wires may appear dead but should always be considered “live.” STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with
- Compile a list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires.
Winter Storm Safety Tips:
- Keep Emergency Supplies: Ensure you have food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit on hand.
- Avoid Overexertion: Shoveling snow or walking in heavy snow can strain your heart and muscles. Take frequent breaks.
- Car Readiness: Keep gas tank at least full, and have blankets food, water, flashlight, jumper cables, shovel and ice scraper handy in the vehicle.
- Health & Community: Check on elderly neighbors, people with disabilities, and those living alone. Keep medical equipment charged and accessible. Wear layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Safety: Limit travel unless absolutely necessary. Roads may be slippery and dangerous. Never use outdoor grills or generators indoors. Test carbon monoxide detectors.
- Protect Pets: Don’t leave pets outdoors and provide adequate food and water.
Important Contacts:
For all non-emergency weather-related matters, please contact the Department of Public Safety at: (973) 733-6000.
To report no heat or hot water in your apartment, call the Division of Code Enforcement at (973) 733-6471. For fire safety, please utilize flashlights, instead of candles, should you lose electricity due to this weather event.
If you encounter an unsheltered individual in need of non-emergency services, please text “PATH HOME” to 855-11.