Christmas, The Time To Prepare For Winter's Wrath

By Darrell Mak
While some hope this year’s warmer-than-normal temperatures will treat us to a mild winter, others will remember the recent record snowfalls and expect the worst.
“Whenever snow, ice, or other severe weather attacks, crews work around the clock to get our citizens moving again,” said County Executive John Leopold. “Our job is to make sure you can return to your normal routine as soon as possible.”

In addition to county resources, however, there are many things county residents can do to prepare for winter weather. During last year’s blizzards, stores quickly sold out of salt, generators, and even ordinary snow shovels. Don’t wait until the threat of bad weather hits to look for these items. Obtaining them now will ensure availability and best selection. Many local stores, such as Clement’s Hardware, Ace Hardware, Homestead Gardens, and Gary’s Gardens have their full line of winter merchandise.
Test all your gas-operated equipment like snow throwers and electric generators - there’s nothing more frustrating than realizing the equipment you desperately need won’t start. A leading cause of gas equipment problems is failing to provide proper maintenance. Leaving unused gasoline in an engine over the summer months can easily cause starting problems, as the aging gas turns into varnish, which clogs small passageways in the engine.
Make sure you have an adequate supply of usable fuel available as well. Gas station pumps depend on electricity to operate, so when the power goes out some gas stations may be forced to close unexpectedly.
The Department of Public Works is responsible for plowing county maintained streets, although not all streets are county maintained. The county does not plow state roads, private roads or parking areas in private communities. You can check whether your street is county maintained by using the county’s web site.
Planning for snow removal begins in the summer, and the county currently has 72 dump trucks and 84 other pieces of snow removal equipment and is also supplemented with approximately 150 pieces of contractor snow removal equipment. When snow begins to accumulate, equipment is dispatched to service arterial and collector roadways. The next priority is insuring each community road is passable, meaning even though the road may be snow covered at least one travel lane will be accessible with a front-wheel drive vehicle. If the snowplow driver determines a street is passable, no further service will be provided.
One of the most common reasons snowplows are delayed from residential streets is too many cars park along the street. The county encourages residents to park vehicles in driveways during a winter storm, or if off-street parking is not available to park vehicles on one side of the road. If a snowplow driver cannot safely access a street due to on-street parking, service will be delayed until adequate access or smaller equipment becomes available.
Also, don’t leave trash cans, recycling bins, or other obstacles in the street. Snow removal on sidewalks is the responsibility of the homeowner.
During a typical storm of less than four inches, the county estimates snow removal operations should be completed within 24-36.
Finally, the county has several tips for getting through the winter. Check the proper operation of home emergency battery-operated equipment; have heating sources checked for safe operation; and keep an adequate supply of non-perishable foods, medications, and baby supplies on-hand. Be certain to pace physical activity, such as snow shoveling or pushing cars, and, regardless of age or physical condition, avoid over-exertion.
“By working together, we can weather even the worst storm,” concluded Leopold.