FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 23, 2015
MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160
Stacy Ellifritt, Media and Communications, stacy.ellifritt@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005
City Plans Snow and Ice Training Over Next Two Saturdays
--Drivers Can Also Prepare Early for Winter Weather Driving--
Tacoma residents could see snow plows out and about this Saturday and next as part of the City of Tacoma’s efforts to be prepared for winter snowstorms. On Sept. 26, and Oct. 3, emergency snow vehicles will be dispatched throughout the city so crews can experience operating these vehicles along snow routes and around the travelling public.
During a snowstorm event City crews plow and de-ice streets on a priority level, beginning with primary arterial streets, followed by secondary and auxiliary routes. The time required to clear these routes depends on the intensity of a particular snowstorm and how much snow or ice accumulates. Resident can prepare for winter weather now by:
- Equipping vehicles with good tires, windshield wipers, chains, sand and emergency supplies.
- Researching public transportation options.
- Planning driving routes and organizing them by primary, secondary and then auxiliary routes as outlined on the City’s snow and ice map.
- For those living on a hill or somewhere difficult to access in the snow, look for a place to legally park your vehicle on nights when snow is forecasted. Also, choose a location where putting on chains can be done safely.
- For those who live or work on a primary, secondary or auxiliary snow plow route, look for an adjacent street to legally park your vehicle. Doing so will prevent vehicles from getting covered or blocked in by plowed snow and will make it easier for crews to safely plow city street.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, at 12:30 p.m.
What: 20 truck drivers, rigging trucks with plows and sanders preparing to go out for training
Where: Streets Operations Division, 2324 South C St., Tacoma, WA 98402
Who: Assistant Street Division Manager Matt Fengler, (253) 348-3401
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