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Super Bowl Blizzard: City Will Plow Side Streets Sunday Night

By  Alex Parker  and Mauricio Peña | February 1, 2015 12:51pm | Updated on February 1, 2015 1:29pm

 Mayor Rahm Emanuel, along with other city department agency officials, spoke to reporters from the Office of Emergency Management and Communications headquarters.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, along with other city department agency officials, spoke to reporters from the Office of Emergency Management and Communications headquarters.
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DNAinfo/Mauricio Pena

NEAR WEST SIDE — The mayor promised to keep Chicagoans safe and on the move Sunday, while addressing the city's efforts during a massive snowstorm that blanketed the area.

"Streets are to be plowed and passable, and folks are to be safe and secure," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel, speaking to reporters from the Office of Emergency Management and Communications headquarters.

Streets and Sanitation commissioner Charles Williams said crews will clear side streets beginning Sunday night or early Monday after the snow stops.

Since yesterday, the Department of Streets and Sanitation has deployed more than 350 pieces of equipment for snow removal operations city wide, Williams said.

"Plows and salt spreaders are focused on main routes and Lake Shore Drive to ensure safe and efficient flow of traffic throughout Chicago," Williams said.

"Once the main routes are safe and clear, the city will move all available snow removal equipment to neighborhood streets," he said. Right now the priority is clearing main roads like Lake Shore Drive and Stony Island Avenue, he said.

Williams emphasized drivers "to slow down and drive for conditions."

Acting health commissioner Dr. Julie Morita warned people to take it easy and pace themselves while clearing snow from their driveways and sidewalks.

Morita urged residents to make sure "loved ones and neighbors are appropriately prepared."

Buildings Department Commissioner Felicia Davis said it was important to clear snow from porches and decks. The snow could get too heavy for the structures to bear, she said.

She also highlighted the heat ordinance requiring landlords to maintain temperatures at 68 degrees from 8:30 a.m. to  10:30 p.m., and at least 66 degrees from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Residents are asked to report inadequate heat or no heat to 311.

"The reason for lack of heat doesn't matter. Landlords must follow the law, and apartments must be heated," she said.

The CTA is planning regular service Sunday and Monday, said chief transit safety officer Ralph McKinney.

"Our job is to clear the snow to make sure people can get to their jobs Monday," Emanuel said.

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