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City Emergencies & Weather Preparedness
Sign up for the City's emergency alerting system CodeRED. Also referred to as a reverse 911 notification system you can create an account and select your notification method(s), email, phone call or text. Join CodeRED here.
Public Safety Communications uses the CodeRED emergency alert system to notify of extreme weather conditions, water bans, water main or sewer breaks, winter parking bans and traffic advisories.
Cold Weather Related Emergencies
Winter Storm Events & Parking Bans
Snow related emergencies are the 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 the day/time declared by the Department of Public Works.
In order to safely salt, sand and plow the roads no parking is allowed on city streets and city owned parking lots from 12am - 6am and Main Street from 2am - 7am.
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- 8:00am to 10:00am and 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
Download a helpful brochure with all of Northampton's snow emergency information
Warming Centers
When 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.
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 8:00am to 4:30pm at 413-587-1570. Water emergencies after hours should be reported to Dispatch immediately at 413-587-1100.
Keep Fire Hydrants Clear
Warm Weather Related Emergencies
Cooling Centers
During the summer months, the City of Northampton Public Health Department, in consultation with the Northampton Fire Rescue Department, may open a cooling shelter for members of the community to seek relief from oppressive high heat temperature conditions. If a determination is made to open cooling centers, the locations will be announced here.
Tips for Staying Cool
- Slow down, avoid strenuous activity, and drink plenty of water regularly/often, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- If you do not have air-conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light colored clothing.
- Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic rate.
- Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors.
Heat stress is a serious condition that poses a health threat to many people, particularly the elderly and youth. Heat stress places a strain on the body, and if the strain becomes too great, it can cause serious and permanent damage, even death. Preventive measures should be taken in order to avoid heat stress.
Additional information on warning signs and symptoms of heat related illness
Alerts
- There are no alerts at this time.
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All Emergencies
911
24/hr Winter Parking Ban Info Line
413-586-6969
Public Safety Communications - Dispatch 24/7
413-587-1100
Building Department
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm
413-587-1240Fire Rescue Department
Business line - 413-587-1032
Health Department
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm
413-587-1215Mayor's Office
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm
413-587-1249Parking Clerk
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm
413-587-1025Police Department 24/7
413-587-1100
Public Works
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm
413-587-1570
General Emergency Information
Heat, Smoke & Carbon Monoxide
Change all batteries in your smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors each year to protect your family's health and safety.
Storm Drains
Clear debris and leafs from storm drains to prevent flooding. Keeping storm drains clear helps ensure water can flow freely off the roadway.
Exhaust Vents
Keep all mechanical exhaust vents clear of snow including fossil fuel burning appliances. Exhaust vents must be kept cleaned for the equipment to operate safely.