DPW UPDATE - WINTER WEATHER BRINGS SNOW, ICE & FREEZING RAIN

Winter weather continues throughout the week. Be careful on the roads.  Slow down and use caution while traveling.

It is going to be an active weather week. Monday night through mid-day on Tuesday, there will likely be mixed precipitation including freezing rain, sleet and snow that will lead to very slick road conditions. Ice accumulation could cause some scattered power outages, so charge up your electronic devices.

Another messy winter storm is in the forecast for Thursday into Friday. Spotty snow could arrive as early as Thursday morning, and become steadier during the afternoon. Some accumulation of snow is expected before it changes to an icy mix of sleet and freezing rain later in the day. Sleet and freezing rain will continue Thursday night.  Freezing rain will linger into Friday morning.

Sand Available at Dept. of Public Works Located at 5 Silverbrook Road

During the winter, sand is available at the DPW storage area for residents to use on their driveways. The sand is located inside the storage structure on the left, toward the back of the building.The Town makes sand available to residents to help keep their property safe for both themselves and emergency responders in the event they need to access your property. Residents shall keep clear of DPW vehicles and machinery while loading sand into private vehicles. It is recommended that residents take no more than two 5-gallon pails per visit. Residents should take no more sand than they need. The Town reserves the right to limit or discontinue this practice at any time if it feels residents are taking advantage of this supply of sand.  If you have any questions, reach out to the Brad at highways@sandisfieldma.gov.

Remember Winter Driving Safety Tips

• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights - even the hood and roof - before driving.
• Leave plenty of room for stopping.
• Use brakes carefully. Brake early. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
• Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the road.
• Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. If you are driving a four wheel drive vehicle, the vehicle may help you get going quicker but it won't help you stop any quicker. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and may actually take longer to stop.
• Please use common sense while driving near plows!

Photos of DPW Snow Clearing

Attached below are photos of the DPW crew clearing snow from roadways and parking lots last week.  After plowing all the roads, the DPW uses the grader to push back snow banks and widen roadways to allow easier access for residents, delivery trucks and emergency vehicles.