As you probably know, the first big snow storm of the year is heading our way. We will keep you posted as events unfold. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare:

• Helping the homeless

Call the Project Home Outreach Hotline (215-232-1984) if you observe a homeless person in need of assistance. Be prepared to provide the location and description of the person in need.

• No Savesies

Seems like at least once during the winter someone gets shot over a parking spot following a snow storm. Tensions run high when you shovel out a nice spot, you try to save it with a lawn chair or two and someone slides in while you’re at work. As aggravating as that can be, police are reminding everyone that there are “no savsies” on shoveled-out spots. They have even put a parody of Drake to drive the message home. “Hotline Savesies” encourages people to report those pesky lawn chairs, trashcans or orange cones. 

“Call us from your cell phone late night when you seeeeee that cone….”

Looks like a big #snowstorm is coming. If u see folks saving spots, call us on your cellphone to report #NoSavesies pic.twitter.com/9NzUBNVcey

— Philadelphia Police (@PhillyPolice) January 20, 2016

• Snow emergency routes

If the city declares a snow emergency, you will have to move your vehicle if you are parked along  one of the emergency routes. All vehicles remaining parked along the emergency routes after 6 a.m. will be towed. If your car is towed please call 215-686-SNOW.

• Sidewalk shoveling

Property and business owners are required to clear a path on the sidewalk within six hours of the end of the snowfall. City regulations say the shoveled path has to be Residents and business owners must clear a path on sidewalk at least 36 inches wide. Philly 311 will take reports of unshovelled sidewalks as usual

• Sledding

If you are new to the neighborhood, there are a couple sledding options you should no about. First, the Clark Park Bowl is pretty decent. Also good people watching there if you have to keep an eye on little ones. Mt. Moriah Cemetery is also an option for the more daring (and those withiprivate transport). Sledding veterans, feel free to add your favorite spots in the comments.