Please note: CodeRED recently experienced system issues and has migrated the City of Northampton to an updated version of its software. If you are already enrolled, we encourage you to log in and verify that your contact information and notification preferences are current. If you do not have a login, please create an account to customize the alerts you receive.

Stay informed!

Snow-related emergencies are our most common type of emergency. When snow or ice is predicted, the Department of Public Works will declare a snow emergency. This will trigger Public Safety Dispatch to issue a parking ban to begin at the day/time declared by the Department of Public Works. 

Parking Bans

In order to safely salt, sand, and plow the roads, no parking is allowed on city streets and city-owned parking lots from 12:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. and on Main Street from 2:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. 

During Winter Parking Bans, FREE overnight parking is available in the city parking lot on Armory Street (near the garage) from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. However, all cars must be moved from the Armory Street lot during the following hours to allow for plowing - 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. REMINDER: The E.J. Gare Parking Garage provides covered parking year-round, including during snow emergencies. The first hour is always free, and parking is $0.75 per hour after that.

How do I know if a Snow Emergency has been declared?
Empty heading

Sign up for CodeRED

This allows you to receive a phone call, email, or text when a parking ban is called, and again when it is lifted. Public Safety Communications also uses the CodeRED emergency alert system to notify of extreme weather conditions, water bans, water main or sewer breaks, winter parking bans, traffic advisories, and select community events. You can sign up for CodeRED here. More information about signing up for CodeRED including a step-by-step guide to registering for alerts can be found here. 

Blue Lights

When the blue lights attached to traffic signals at 13 major intersections in the city are flashing, a parking ban is in effect and parking is prohibited on city streets from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. and Main Street from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. 

Facebook and Instagram 

Follow the City of Northampton on Facebook and Instagram for updates regarding snow emergencies. 

Media

The city sends notices to local newspapers, radio, and television outlets, although we cannot guarantee that these notices will be published. Please check the other listed avenues when snow is falling or anticipated.

24 Hour Info Line

Call 413-586-6969 any time of day or night for a recorded message about winter parking bans or school and business closings.
Empty heading

Sidewalks

As a reminder to all residents, City of Northampton Ordinance, § 285-17 Removal of Snow and Ice from Sidewalks, requires that all property owners in the City of Northampton shovel their sidewalks which includes any curb ramp/cut to the full width and apply sand or ice treatment to any ice within 24 hours of a snowstorm, or by 9:00 a.m. the next business day in city commercial districts, or they risk being fined. For property located in the Central Business District or in areas of Florence zoned General Business as delineated on the Northampton Zoning Map, the above requirements must be met within 24 hours or by 9:00 a.m. on the next business day, whichever is sooner. 

You can report an uncleared sidewalk here or by calling 413-587-1100.

Fire Hydrants

Please clear snow away from any fire hydrant near your property. Fire crews waste precious time in an emergency having to clear snow from an unclear hydrant. 

Frozen Pipes

Northampton water service customers should be aware that the cold winter weather can cause water service lines to freeze and burst, causing damage to property. When temperatures are below freezing, water pipes and meters that are exposed to cold air may freeze. Preventing pipes and meters from freezing is the best way to avoid property damage and unnecessary and expensive repairs.

If you suspect damage to water pipes or the water meter, call the Water Division on business days from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 413-587-1570. Water emergencies after hours should be reported to Dispatch immediately at 413-587-1100.

Warming Centers

When the weather temperatures drop, exposure to cold temperatures should be limited. During the winter months, the City of Northampton Public Health Department, in consultation with the Northampton Fire Rescue Department, may open a warming shelter for members of the community to seek relief from extremely cold temperatures. If a determination is made to open warming centers, the locations would be announced here. 
Empty headin