Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and his executive team unveiled the city's Winter Snow Plan for the 2023-24 season late Monday afternoon.
"I’m proud of all the work department heads and staff have done to prepare the Snow Plan,” said Mayor Brown in a statement. "This plan is comprehensive and will help our city and community members prepare for the winter season."
The snow plan addresses a number of different topics, including snow removal, police and fire emergency response, community support, parking protocols, and communication protocols. Some of these elements were generated by Mayor Brown’s Storm Response Task Force.
Here is some of the notable highlights from the 2023-2024 Winter Snow Plan:
Snow-Fighting Equipment: The City of Buffalo Department of Public Works maintains a Snow Fleet of 36 plow trucks that will be used to plow streets and apply salt, and 14 front loaders that will be used to remove heavy snow. Additionally, four new snowplows are anticipated to arrive before the end of the year.
Emergency Snow Removal: The city has budgeted $1 million dollars to be used for emergency snow removal across the city. The funding will be allocated to private contractors. The funding is a 350% increase from the 2022-2023 winter season.
Variable Message Signage (VMS) or Digital Message Boards: Originally implemented in the 2022-2023 winter season, the City of Buffalo will place multiple VMS boards in high traffic areas to deliver messaging about an impending weather event. The message boards will serve as an added warning for motorists and residents.
BuffAlert Notifications in Multiple Language Translations: The city of Buffalo operates an emergency text and email messaging system called BuffAlert. It delivers important weather event information and updates and can be customized by users to provide information in 66 different languages. The languages include, but are not limited to, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Karen, Swahili, and French. The non-English language option of BuffAlert can be accessed at www.buffalony.gov/buffalert.
Emergency Warming Shelters: Depending on the type of storm expected, emergency shelters may be opened and advertised to residents ahead of the storm. A decision will be made prior to an winter weather event which locations will be opened. Once selected, the department of Community Services, along with its partners, will staff these shelters. The shelters will have cots, water, and food. The sites designated as warming shelters include the JFK Community Center, Tosh Collins Community Center, Peter Machnica Community Center, Gloria J. Parks Community Center, Asarese-Matters Community Center, Delavan-Grider Community Center, West Side Community Services, Lincoln Fieldhouse, and the North Buffalo Community Center.
The plan has been submitted to the Buffalo Common Council, meeting its Nov. 1 deadline, according to the City Charter.
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