Extremely cold temperatures and snow are predicted for this weekend.
The Health Department is encouraging everyone to plan ahead, prepare, and protect yourself and your family members, pets, and property. Please check in on your neighbors especially the elderly and vulnerable.
Cold weather tips for staying safe:
- Avoid unnecessary travel and outdoor activities. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must go out.
- Dress properly if you need to go out, keeping ears, nose, cheeks, chin, and fingers and toes covered. These areas are the first to be at risk for frostbite.
- Keep pets inside, warm, and dry with access to food and water. Limit outdoor time, and take care to protect skin and paws. Be cautious of black ice when outdoors with pets.
- Protect water pipes. Open sink cabinets to expose pipes to heated air. Raise thermostats by a few degrees. Use space heaters wisely.
- Prepare for possible power outages. Have a back-up battery to charge cell phones. Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risks. Know the signs of carbon monoxide exposure - if you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away. DO NOT use stoves or ovens to heat your home.
- When shoveling, take frequent breaks and dress warmly. Clear snow off vehicles and make sure fire hydrants on your street are accessible.
Need somewhere to get warm? In Wellesley, the following locations are are available:
- The main branch of the library is open Monday-Sunday. Click here for hours and location.
- The Council on Aging, 500 Washington Street. Open to the public M-F from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sit in front of the fireplace, enjoy free coffee, tea, and newspapers.
- Health Department , 90 Washington Street. Open M-F from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Need Help?
- If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. For the Wellesley Police Department non-emergency line, call 781-235-1212.
- If you need financial help with heat this winter, contact the Health Department at 781-489-4358.
From the DPW Highway Division
The DPW Highway Division plows over 110 miles of Town roads and 32 Town parking lots. During significant storms, the highest priority is to keep main roads and main sidewalks accessible for emergency vehicles, and coordinate any school or public building closures. Side roads and remaining sidewalks are cleared after this.
Once storms end, it takes crews 3-4 hours to push back snow and clear intersections. Please be patient when clearing driveways as Town plows may need to make multiple passes. When clearing driveways, do not push snow into the public way or pile it across the street from driveways.
Be visible! Low light and driving snow make it difficult for plows to see people in the road. Wear bright clothing, watch for vehicles, and remind children to play in snow piles away from the road.
For questions or concerns, email DPW or call 781-235-7600.