City of Raleigh Update-10:50 p.m.

Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs

For more information: Public Affairs Department, 919-996-3100

Feb. 12, 2014

City of Raleigh Update

The City of Raleigh has 55 employees working 24 plows and spreaders throughout the Capital City. These crews are continuing to work 12-hour shifts as they have since Tuesday. City of Raleigh staff also is working throughout the night to clear sidewalks and parking decks.

City officials are urging residents to stay off of the roads to avoid hazardous conditions and to allow City crews to further treat the thoroughfares.

Real time traffic can be found at http://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/RegionSummary.aspx?re=1. It can also be found by using the North Carolina Department of Transportation's 511 automated voice response system. Dial 511 from any phone for traffic information for specific areas, incidents, closures or other roadway conditions.

As always, throughout this event the City’s priority has been public safety. Mostly minor property damage accidents have occurred.

The City of Raleigh non-emergency phone number is 919-996-2999. Information also is available at sites listed below.

Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies. The Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications answered more than 2100 calls between 12:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. The average day this time of year is approximately 2360 calls for an entire day. The majority of the calls were for minor property damage accidents, for requests for assistance or advice about traffic. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency.

Solid Waste Services Collection Weather Alert

Due to weather conditions, the City of Raleigh Solid Waste Services Department suspended all collections mid-afternoon on Wednesday, February 12. Most customers on the Wednesday route were serviced today.
 
The Solid Waste Services Department will not collect any routes on Thursday, February 13. If conditions allow, Thursday's route will be collected on Friday, Feb. 14 and Friday's route will be collected on Saturday, Feb. 15. Please remember to place carts at the curb no later than 7 a.m. on your collection day and keep carts at the curb until they have been serviced.

Any customers on the Wednesday routes not serviced today will receive first priority when operations resume. Operations are expected to resume on Friday, Feb. 14, if conditions allow. Wednesday customers should leave carts out at the curb until they have been serviced.
The City of Raleigh Solid Waste Services Department carefully reviews local weather and road conditions before deciding to suspend or delay operations. The City of Raleigh appreciates customers’ patience and understanding.

Traffic Condition Update

The City of Raleigh is providing the following update on travel conditions in Raleigh as a result of the winter storm:

• Travel to the south of Raleigh along U.S. 401 (Fayetteville Road) continues to be very congested. Motorists should expect continued delays into the evening hours; and,

• Traffic on other thoroughfares in Raleigh has greatly improved, however, citizens are encouraged to stay off the roads for safety reasons.

Non-Emergency Call Center

The City of Raleigh non-emergency call center is now open and will remain open throughout the weather event. Call 919-996-2999 for information on City-provided services, such as closings and street plowing and other non life-threatening situations. Information is also available at sites listed below.

Please call 9-1-1 to report life-threatening situations.

CAT, Accessible Raleigh Transportation Service Alert

Due to extreme weather and road conditions, Capital Area Transit (CAT) will operate on a Sunday service level on Thursday, Feb. 13. Visit our Bus Routes/Schedules page to see which routes provide Sunday bus service. Delays may be expected and some detours may be needed to void travel on unsafe roads.
The City of Raleigh Accessible Raleigh Transportation (ART) Program will not provide service on Thursday, Feb. 13.

Where to Find Service Information:
City of Raleigh Transit Webpage: www.raleighnc.gov/transit
Social Media Outlets: @RaleighRides on Facebook and/or Twitter
GoTriangle Regional Webpage: www.gotriangle.org
Regional Call Center: 919-485-RIDE (7433)
Use GoLive, the real-time bus predictions system, to track your bus online or on your phone at www.triangle.transloc.com.
Please call 919-485-RIDE (7433) or visit www.raleighnc.gov/transit for the latest news and updates regarding CAT bus service and detours due to inclement weather.

Raleigh Reminds Residents of Winter Storm Guidelines

The City of Raleigh offers the following simple guidelines that residents should follow during winter storms:

Limit Driving – Not only do winter storms make driving treacherous but clogged

roadways make it extremely difficult for snow-removal crews and emergency personnel to do their jobs;

Use Cellular Phones Very Sparingly – Preferably in Case of Emergency – The use of cellular telephone channels is critical for emergency personnel during an emergency. Emergency personnel cannot communicate if the channels are clogged with unnecessary chatter;

9-1-1 Is for Emergencies Only – Remember that the Raleigh-Wake County Emergency Communications Center is there for emergencies only. DO NOT call 9-1-1 for information on road closings or road conditions. Turn to the media or the City’s website www.raleighnc.gov for this information; and,

Reporting Power Outages – Call Duke Energy Progress at 919-419-6356 to report power outages or to gain information about electrical services.

All N.C. Passenger Trains Cancelled

Passenger train schedules in North Carolina are being impacted by the winter weather affecting the state. The following is an update on train schedules:

Wednesday, Feb. 12: All passenger train service in North Carolina and all connecting bus service to those passenger trains are cancelled for the remainder of today. No alternate transportation will be provided. All North Carolina passenger train stations are closed and will remain closed tonight.

Thursday, Feb. 13: All passenger train service in North Carolina and all connecting bus service to those passenger trains are cancelled. No alternate transportation will be provided. Most North Carolina passenger train stations will be closed. Call the local train station number or 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to confirm local station status.

For updates and information on train travel in North Carolina, visit ncbytrain.org or follow Twitter.

City Departmental Actions

Police:

The Raleigh Police Department Field Operations personnel will be supported by the Special Operations Division throughout the event. Community officers from every district have been reassigned from regular duties to assist with crashes and stranded motorists. All RPD officers, including detectives, will have their uniforms ready in the event of a larger-scale event.

Fire:

Raleigh Fire Department stations will be available as rest areas to City personnel working during the storm.

Public Works:

City of Raleigh Transportation Field Services will continue 12-hour shifts throughout the event.

Public Affairs

The City will post storm updates and City preparations on the City’s website and on RTN.

For more information on meeting cancellations, visit www.raleighnc.gov or listen to your local radio or television station.

Prepare a Home Emergency Kit

The following items should be included in your home emergency kit:

    Three-day supply of food, including pet food, that does not need to be refrigerated;
    Three-day supply of water --- one gallon of water per person, per day;
    Battery-powered radio or TV and extra batteries;
    Flashlight(s) and extra batteries;
    First aid kit and manual;
    Hand sanitizer or wipes and other hygiene items;
    Matches and waterproof container;
    Whistle. This will be needed to get someone’s attention if you are trapped, have fallen or in some other kind of trouble;
    Extra clothing;
    Kitchen items and cooking utensils, including a non-electric can opener and trash bags;
    Copies of credit and identification cards, and medical and veterinary records;
    Cash;
    Special needs items for family members and pets, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, hearing aid batteries and means to transport pets;
    Items for infants, such as formula, diapers and bottles;
    Maps and emergency contact numbers, including doctors and veterinarians; and,
    Other special items that your family or pets might need.

For more emergency preparation information, visit www.readywake.com.