Municipality urges residents to refrain from nonessential driving or traveling, barring a medical emergency.
By DANIEL K. EISENBUDSnow covers the city during a snow storm in Jerusalem December 13, 2013(photo credit: REUTERS)
As the possibility of a midweek snow storm in the capital becomes increasingly likely, the Jerusalem Municipality on Sunday announced a number of preemptive security measures and safety tips to mitigate dangers facing residents and visitors.From emergency information and home safety recommendations to possible public transportation disruptions and school closings, the municipality said it is leaving nothing to chance to ensure the capital is as prepared as possible for the expected Wednesday storm.According to the City Hall’s Emergency and Security Division, all residents are being asked to test home heating and electrical functionality, clean all drainage areas on roofs, trim unstable tree branches, secure heavy objects and stock up on food and water reserves.Sunday’s announcement comes roughly a year after December 2013’s “Alexa” storm that incapacitated Jerusalem for a week, and which Mayor Nir Barkat deemed a natural disaster after it shut down roadways and businesses, costing the city nearly NIS 300 million in losses.In terms of public areas, the municipality said it has already dispatched work crews to prune trees and secure movable and potentially dangerous structures at all city parks and public areas, as well as prepare a number of salting trucks and plows.With respect to flooding and emergency services, the municipality said fire trucks and police vehicles have prepared rescue routes, and it urged residents to refrain from nonessential driving or traveling, barring a medical emergency. Moreover, it encouraged residents to monitor at-risk neighbors, including the elderly and disabled.Additionally, the municipality is locating homeless residents who will be provided shelter at area centers.In the event of an emergency, or to report hazards, the municipality can be contacted by phone at 106; police at 100; Magen David Adom at 101; and firefighters at 102.For up-to-date information regarding all safety measures, school and transportation updates and general information, the municipality said it will update its website at www.jerusalem.muni.il in real time.
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