Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today said that he has called out all 630 city firefighters in preparation for an anticipated second snowstorm tonight.

He has also placed police on 12-hour shifts to handle any public safety emergencies that may arise.

All city ambulances have been fitted with chains in anticipation of rough roads, enabling them to move through neighborhoods without a plow truck as escort.

The mayor said 20 contractors have been retained on an emergency basis and are supplementing the city's 60-truck fleet with 50 of their own.

The city is also pledging better coordination with PennDOT regarding clearance of state roads that pass through the city. Mr. Ravenstahl pledged that city public safety vehicles will be able to reach anyone in need of emergency care during the storm.

He urged anyone who can leave work early before the snow hit to do so.

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