Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan announces state of emergency, shelter in place

(FALL RIVER, MA- January 28, 2022)- Mayor Paul E. Coogan has issued a state of emergency from 1:00am on Saturday, January 29th until 1:00am on Sunday, January 30th, ordering all non-essential businesses to close and all non-essential vehicles to remain off roadways during this time period.

“These actions are crucial to the safety of Fall River’s plow operations and emergency personnel. Residents should make necessary preparations to shelter in place for the day of Saturday, January 29th.”

Here are more preparations, details, from Mayor Coogan’s Office concerning this weekend’s storm.

Parking:
 A parking ban will be in effect from 6:00pm on 1/28/22 until further notice. Parking is only allowed on the north side of city streets that run east and west and on the west side of streets that run north and south. Parking is allowed, unless posted, on both sides of any street that is divided by a traffic median. Parking against a median is prohibited. Parking is not allowed within 20 feet of a corner to allow access for snow removing vehicles. Vehicles in violation of the parking ban will be towed.
 Parking is available at the following locations until the ban is no longer in effect:
o Flint Municipal Parking Lot on Cash Street
o Municipal Parking Lot on Columbia Street
o Talbot Middle School on Melrose Street
o Morton Middle School Parking Lot on Hood Street
 Residents are reminded of the following:
o Saving parking spots by placing furniture or household objects in the street is prohibited by law. Placing objects in the street to reserve a parking spot is punishable by fine.
o Utilize driveways and consider sharing off-street parking with neighbors.
o It is the responsibility of each homeowner to clear sidewalks of snow. Failure to do so is punishable by fine.
 Do not throw snow into the street.
 If there is a fire hydrant located near your property, please ensure that it is cleared so that emergency services can access the hydrant if needed. Please also ensure that catch basins are free of snow.
 If you are willing to volunteer to clear sidewalks for sick, disabled or elderly residents, please contact the Mayor’s office at 508-324-2600.

Closures:
 On Friday, January 28th, City services will be open per usual hours of operation.
 On Saturday, January 29th, the Fall River Public Library will be closed. The DPW complex on Lewiston St will also be closed on January 29th
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Phone Numbers & Contact Information:
 Please call the following numbers with questions or concerns:
o MAYOR’S OFFICE: 508-324-2600 or 508-324-2601 or 508-324-2602
o TRAFFIC DEPT: 508-324-2579 or 508-207-2584 or 508-324-2000
o DPW: 508-324-2760 or 508-324-2761
 For members of our homeless population in need of shelter, please reach out to the First Step Inn at 134 Durfee St or call 508-679-8001.
 A drop-in warming shelter will be available on Saturday and Sunday from 8am-4pm at Christ the Rock Assembly of God Church (414 Rock St).