The city of Salisbury has completed its initial preparation for the upcoming winter weather event scheduled to impact the region on Friday.

Winter storm preparation actually began in November 2015 with a snow and ice preparation meeting with weather-essential personnel. There, Craig Powers, division manager for street and stormwater services, provided staff with updated personnel rosters, snow removal assignments, and a comprehensive snow removal equipment list.
In preparation for the impending storm, the city of Salisbury public services reported the following:

•     Trucks and equipment have been checked and repaired, if needed.

•      The city has nine plows with two pieces of heavy construction equipment that are able to plow roads. There are also numerous backhoes, tractors, loaders and skid steers that can be deployed as needed.

•     Plans have been made to adjust employee schedules to assure continuous staffing throughout the events. Additional staffing from other departments are on standby and ready to help if needed.

•     The application of sand and salt will begin in emergency areas and bridges once it is determined that the material will be effective. If spread ahead of time, certain anti-icing agents will be washed away if rain develops before snow.

•      Essential staff will report to work at midnight to begin monitoring the “street” radio channel for road conditions.

•      Emergency Management personnel and public services crews will continue to monitor the weather. Predictions are varying as to how much precipitation the Salisbury/Rowan area will receive (freezing rain, sleet, snow).

According to public services, the plowing of emergency routes will be its first priority, working towards neighborhoods as a second priority.
Residents are reminded to follow suggestions about winter weather preparedness at ready.gov or on the Salisbury website at salisburync.gov in the event of the need to remain at home for a prolonged period of time or an extended loss of power.