In response to the snowstorm the City of Reading has adjusted several services as they work to mitigate the effects of the storm on residents.
Public Works Department officials say they continued to salt roads throughout the City since Winter Storm Orlena and will continue during Thursday’s storm. The Department has reactivated the 12-hour shifts, and snow plowing will start right after the snow stops falling.
The City is also encouraging residents to keep the streets clear, relocate their vehicles, and utilize the Reading Parking Authority’s free open garages through 8 a.m. Monday.
“We are hopeful the accumulation for this storm will be minimal compared to the last ones, and I trust our committed staff will do their best to keep us safe before, during, and after the storm” said Mayor Moran.
City officials are also reminding residents of the phone numbers for emergencies. For serious emergencies use 9-1-1. The Fire Department non-emergency line is 610-655-4911. The Police Department non-emergency line is 610-655-6116 and to reach the Department of Fire & Rescue Services, please call 610-655-6080. For special requests or report an issue in your community, contact the Citizen Service Center at 877-727-3234.
The Animal Rescue League of Berks County has enacted the Code Blue Ordinance for the City of Reading until February 19 to 1 p.m.
“This type of weather is potentially life threatening for animals left outside to fend for themselves. We hope residents take this threat seriously and bring their pets inside” said Executive Director Alexis Pagoulatos.
Any person witnessing an unsupervised dog left outside in the elements within the City of Reading should call the Animal Rescue League of Berks County at 610-373-8830.
BARTA Transportation is also reporting changes to bus routes due to weather conditions. Route 3-Temple via 5th Street is now detouring. Outbound will follow Kutztown Rd. to right on Rockland to left on 11th to regular route. Inbound detour is left on 11th to right on Rockland to left on Kutztown Rd.
In addition, Due to weather conditions, Route 17/Glenside and Route 18/Schuylkill Avenue bus routes will not be using Windsor Street. Bus routes will detour using Greenwich to Schulykill Ave Inbound and Outbound.
The Berks County Commissioners and President Judge Thomas G. Parisi have decided to close all County buildings on Thursday, Feb. 18, due to the snowstorm. The closure does not apply to the County’s 24/7 operations.
