Cary’s Inclement Weather Plan

December 17, 2009 | Story by: Leslie Huffman | Categories: Community, News

Cary, NC — Snow tomorrow?  Is Cary ready?  You bet!  Recently I got a tour of the Public Works Department and I was briefed on their preparations for inclement weather.

The Town of Cary uses FEMA’s Emergency Management Model.  This response plan to weather-related emergencies has a track record of success and is based on a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, and evaluating.  These ongoing preparedness efforts ensure coordination during a weather crisis.

Each year, the Town spends a day testing its winter weather plans, procedures, equipment, and employee skills with the annual Winter Weather Training & Snow Rodeo.   As part of the day’s activities, crews drive fully-equipped town trucks throughout Cary along assigned routes during simulated wintry weather exercises.   A skills “rodeo” includes competitions in wintry weather safety driving through obstacle courses, plow and spreader techniques, and safety hazard tests.

“We always look forward to this event as it gives our staff the opportunity to re-familiarize themselves with snow plowing routes, equipment and methods. This annual drill is another illustration of our commitment to providing the highest quality service should inclement weather affect our community,” said Steve Brown, Director of the Town of Cary’s Public Works & Utilities Department.

photo by Leslie Huffman

Cary’s pro-active “Action Plan” begins before a storm.  Crews cover the town’s main roadways with a brine solution, a mixture of salt and water. Anti-icing, or spraying brine solution onto pavement before a storm, can help prevent snow and ice from bonding to pavement during a winter storm.

Maps of Cary show main roadways and secondary roadways and are prioritized accordingly.  When the snow begins to fall, crews jump into action spreading a salt and sand mixture.  There are also 28 different cameras that monitor “real time” traffic conditions.  Keeping a watchful eye on traffic flow can help the town monitor a potential hazardous area and prevent major  problems.

“We are very proud of the success we’ve had managing Winter storms.  We are here to serve our community and this is just one part of accomplishing our mission”, says Brown.

The weather experts are continually trying to predict what this winter’s weather may be.  From The Farmer’s Almanac to the NOAA and others, we may get more snow this year, or less snow.  Temperatures may stay normal or be colder that usual.  One thing is certain, however, Cary is ready.  Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!