Agents at the Philly 311 call center say they’ve answered about 24,000 phone calls in regards to the weekend’s blizzard and aftermath, about eight times higher than the normal call volume. The call center, which has had extended hours since Friday, also had about 6,000 requests come through social media.
Jim Morse, the Philly 311 Senior Contact Center Operations Manager, answered the top five questions they've received during the winter storm.
Can I report a property owner for not clearing snow or ice from their sidewalk?
Within 6 hours of the snow emergency property owners must clear a 36” wide path on your sidewalk. A service request may be submitted to 311. Streets Dept. will investigate within one business day and may issue violations to owners who have not shoveled their sidewalks as required by the City Code.
Where can I get information during a snow emergency?
For tips and information related to a snow emergency, visit the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) website at http://www.phila.gov/ready. Snow emergencies are declared by the Mayor or his designee.
How do I request snow plowing and salting for my street?
To report plowing or salting needs, contact 311. You can report problems through the Philly311 mobile app, available for Android and Apple, online by visiting phila.gov/311, by calling 311 or 215-686-8686, through Facebook or Twitter (@philly311), by emailing Philly311@phila.gov, or at the agency's walk-in center in Room 167 at City Hall. The 311 Contact Center is available by phone, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm. The walkin center is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. By email and social media, 24 hours a day.
What type of requests can I submit to 311 through the mobile app?
Philly 311 app allows service requests for the following questions and requests:
Abandoned vehicle
Pothole repair
Smoke detector request
Graffiti removal
Dangerous building construction
Illegal dumping
Fallen trees
Ditch repair
Alley light outage
Traffic signal emergency
Rubbish collections
Salting and plowing and others
They are submitted directly to the City of Philadelphia, where it will be instantly routed to the appropriate department. Your service requests will be responded to quickly and efficiently, and you'll be notified the moment they are resolved!
Is my trash and recycling on schedule for this week?
Check in with 311 and we will find out. When there is a delay or postponement, 311 will post the information on our social media pages and have it available for those who call in.