UPDATE (1/7/2015): If you’re on Twitter, you can report an unshoveled sidewalk to @Philly311:

@WestPhillyLocal @unshoveled I contacted @philly311 last year to report unshoveled sts. They got in touch w owners and snow got shoveled.

— Joselle (@JosellePalacios) January 7, 2015

@JosellePalacios @WestPhillyLocal @unshoveled Good morning! We are accepting shoveling reports!

— Philly311 (@philly311) January 7, 2015

(1/6/2015): Winter has finally arrived and reminded us all why we don’t like it that much. We wanted to pass along reminders about what to watch out for when temperatures drop below freezing and what to do when it snows. Stay warm and be careful as it’s slippery out there today.

City announces Code Blue

During bitter cold conditions, with temperatures near or below 20 degrees, the city issues a Code Blue weather advisory, which was announced at 6 p.m. on Monday. The Code Blue advisory triggers 24-hour outreach to homeless individuals and provides access to emergency housing network (see more here). If you see a homeless person outside and without a shelter during extremely cold conditions, you can call the Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984.

Also a reminder to keep an eye on your pets and keep them inside when it gets too cold (or face penalties!). A new ordinance has been introduced in Philadelphia that makes it illegal to leave your dog outside during freezing (or extremely hot) temperatures. To report a dog left outdoors in severe weather call ACCT Philly at 267-385-3800 and dial 0 to speak with the dispatcher or email: fieldservices@acctphilly.org.

Winter Weather Advisory and Snow Removal

A winter weather advisory is in effect for today, and property and business owners are required to clear a path on the sidewalk within six hours of the end of the snowfall.

Residents and business owners must clear a path on sidewalk at least 36” wide within 6 hours of the end of a storm.

— Phila. Streets Dept. (@PhilaStreets) January 6, 2015

For owners of properties located on corners, the path should extend to the handicapped curb ramps to assist pedestrians and wheelchair users

— Phila. Streets Dept. (@PhilaStreets) January 6, 2015

The Philadelphia Streets Department has reminded that property owners are subject to a fine starting at $50 for not complying with this policy. To report a sidewalk that has not been cleared, call the Streets Department Customer Affairs Unit at 215-686-5560.

In case of a heavy snowfall with a large accumulation of snow, the City may declare a snow emergency. Snow emergency means that vehicles parked along the snow emergency routes must be moved to alternate parking spaces, so City crews can clear the snow along these routes.