Update: Mayor Menino’s office announced the snow emergency and parking ban will be lifted at 5 p.m. Those who parked in alternate lots that provided a discount during the storm must move their cars by 7 p.m. to retain the discounted rate,

Not taking any chances, Mayor Menino declared a snow emergency and parking ban in Boston on Wednesday. Though there’s already snow on the ground and wind speeds will soon be ramping up, both items will go into effect at 12 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

According to a statement from the Mayor’s office, “City business will be as usual” and due to the parking ban, discounted parking will be available at these spaces beginning at 10:00 a.m.. Be wary of this, though, Bostonians with cars, as those who park in a snow emergency zone will be subjected to ticketing and towing. Take no chances.

“What a New Year’s gift, to receive one last snowstorm as Mayor,” said Mayor Menino in a statement. “With more than a foot of snow expected in parts of the City, we are taking the necessary precautions to make sure the City is cleaned up as quickly as possible. I’m asking the public to stay off the roads throughout the duration of the storm and allow our crews to work.”

Related:

With that in mind, here’s a list of what to do and what not to do when it comes to trying to park in the midst of 2014’s first nor’easter, courtesy of the City of Boston:

Do:

• Remove disabled cars blocking roadways as soon as possible.
• Make your resident parking sticker visible within 24 hours after the end of a storm.
• Park in discount garages in your neighborhood with valid resident parking sticker visible. Arrive up to two hours prior to the start of the snow emergency and leave two hours after the emergency is lifted; otherwise you will be subject to standard parking rates.
• Follow all other parking regulations during snow emergencies; they will be strictly enforced. Parking meters remain in effect.

Don’t:

• Park on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared emergency. You will be ticketed and towed.
• Use space savers more than 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted.
• Park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than 1 foot from the curb.
• Park in crosswalks or in front of fire hydrants or ramps.
• Park in front of driveways or extend your car from the driveway over the sidewalk or street.

If you absolutely have to leave the comforts of your own home and steaming hot toddies, it’s strongly recommended that you put the MBTA to good use. In the meantime, try to stay indoors and crank that heat.