Town Hall update: crews push through storm cleanup, services resume
(3-4 minute read)
After an intense winter storm, Town officials shared an update, thanking municipal crews and offering important reminders as Reading continues cleanup efforts.
Graphic from the Reading Fire Department Facebook page.
A big thank you to town crews
Town officials first recognized the extraordinary effort of municipal staff who worked through the height of the storm.
DPW crews plowed for more than 26 consecutive hours, with most staff heading home for a brief rest before returning at 1:00 am to continue operations. Sanding crews remained active throughout the storm, taking breaks as needed to maintain safety.
The Water Division faced additional challenges, responding to a water main break during the storm, followed immediately by a sewer backup. Officials praised the team’s dedication, noting the challenges of responding to emergencies under severe weather conditions.
Town services & operations reminders
As cleanup continues, residents are reminded of the following:
Reading Town Hall will be open during normal business hours tomorrow.
Reading Public Schools will be closed again tomorrow.
Trash & recycling collection will take place, following the one-day delay in effect this week. Residents are asked to make containers as accessible as possible from the street, as snowbanks remain high.
The on-street parking ban remains in effect. Crews will be working overnight later this week to push snow back and haul it out of municipal lots and the downtown area. Clear streets are essential for this work to proceed safely and efficiently.
Home safety reminder after the storm
With digging out largely complete, and perhaps a bit more snow than expected, residents are reminded to take a few critical safety steps:
Check that furnace, dryer, and water heater vents are clear of snow and ice
Clear vents regularly as snow settles
Confirm that carbon monoxide detectors are working properly
Blocked vents can cause dangerous carbon monoxide to build up inside the home.
Graphic from the Reading Fire Department Facebook page.
Help keep the community safe
As residents continue shoveling and clearing property, Town officials also ask for help adopting nearby fire hydrants. Clearing snow from hydrants ensures firefighters can respond quickly in an emergency - every second counts.
The Reading Fire Department notes that while the worst of the storm has passed, cleanup will take time, and the community's patience and cooperation are appreciated.
And finally - way to go Patriots! Onto the Super Bowl!
Town officials thanked residents for their continued support and reminded everyone to stay safe as recovery efforts continue
