BOSTON – Boston Mayor Thomas Menino recently unveiled a new GPS technology that is helping city personnel track the deployment of snow equipment during the winter months. GPS-enabled cell phones are now in 200 pieces of contracted snow equipment, ranging from salt spreaders to snow plows. The technology will facilitate deployment of the equipment, and especially help in emergencies. The city also has a Snow Advisory and Information service, called “Know Snow.” Residents can sign up to receive a notification when a snow emergency is declared either by phone or by the Web. Menino also urged residents to think about public safety during snowstorms and reminded residents of the following:

• Move cars from main arterials during snow emergencies.
  

• Do not park cars within 20 feet of an intersection.
  

• Do not “throwback” snow into the street.
  

• Shovel out fire hydrants close to residences.