Georgia DOT prepared for Winter Weather

It’s the National Weather Service’s Winter Weather Preparedness Week (Dec. 5-9) and the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is reminding the public of its efforts year-round to prepare for the winter weather season. Winter officially arrives Dec. 21.  “Each year we take a look at past winter weather events and evaluate lessons learned, outcomes achieved and opportunities for future improvement to ensure we are as prepared as we can be when snow or ice threatens to impact our roads,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E.  As far back as July, each of Georgia DOT’s seven regional districts carefully took inventory of materials and equipment used for winter weather events, a painstaking process that is repeated in November on the cusp of winter’s return. Stockpiles of salt, calcium chloride and other materials used to battle ice and snow are inventoried and reorders placed, if needed. Crews of maintenance experts fan out across the state’s roadways to assess routes and snow-removal capabilities and review all safety and training procedures to ensure crews and the motoring public remain safe during a snow or ice event. Equipment including snowplows and brine trucks, among others, receive any necessary maintenance. And Georgia DOT’s emergency plan is in place to reallocate district resources to the most-needed areas during an event.  If a winter weather event is forecast to impact Georgia roads, Georgia DOT initiates emergency response plans immediately – monitoring the storm, preparing crews and equipment and collaborating with key partners such as the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security (GEMA/HS). Interstates and state routes are prioritized to keep clear and passable, especially for emergency vehicles. This year’s winter season in Georgia is expected to have warmer-than-average temperatures and average precipitation according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  During winter weather events, Georgia DOT urges motorists to buckle up, use caution, minimize unnecessary travel and reduce travel speeds especially in the overnight hours to ensure that Georgia DOT crews have room to treat and clear roadways. Motorists are encouraged to keep an emergency kit which includes a snow/ice removal brush, cat litter to help with traction, an extra blanket, a first aid kit and snacks in their vehicles. For the most up-to-date travel information, visit www.511ga.org or call 511 to stay informed, and follow Georgia DOT’s social media channels for additional updates.  For more information on Georgia DOT’s preparations as well as tips and additional resources, please visit the department’s winter weather page.