Clarkstown had its first significant snowfall of the season earlier this week, with 3-4 inches of
snow covering the Town on Sunday morning. The weekend timing of the storm lessened the
traffic impacts that come with weekday weather events, as many people were able to stay home
and appreciate the winter wonderland being created in their backyards. But our first snowfall
should also serve as a reminder that the winter storm season also can create a great amount of
havoc on our schedules, our roads, and for our first responders. In my years as Town
Supervisor, I have definitely learned that the best way to be able to sit back and enjoy the magic
and beauty of falling snow is to be fully prepared for the accompanying inconveniences and
challenges that it can present.
For the town, the most important preparation steps take place in our Highway Department.
Keeping our roads as safe and clear as possible is the primary objective, and preparation starts
well before any snow hits the ground. Whenever a storm is in the forecast, Highway
Superintendent Bob Milone begins planning. Common first steps are making sure all the trucks
covering our 56 plow routes are loaded with salt and pre-treating town roads with brine before
the storm hits. The brine helps prevent the snow and ice from bonding to the road surface,
which is a crucial component in keeping our residents safe. The town has two trucks equipped
for this service, each holding about 3,000 gallons of brine. It takes about eight hours to cover
the top priority routes of our main streets, high elevations, and roads with sharp turns. Once
these roads are treated, secondary and tertiary roads are addressed.
When the storm hits and snow begins to accumulate, our plow crews get to work clearing the
roads. During a typical storm, it takes about four hours for each of the town’s plow routes to
make a complete pass. It’s a large and challenging operation, as there are 1,400 streets in the
town and over 300 miles of roads to salt and plow. Up to 500 tons of salt can be dispersed in a
single round of these routes across the town. The number of times a street needs to be plowed
depends on the duration of the storm and the amount of snow that accumulates. Department of
Transportation rules and regulations regarding the amount of hours a driver can be out on the
road and mandatory break times can become a challenge in longer lasting storms.
Once the roads are completely cleared and the storm has ended, the Highway Department
moves on to another large and important job: clearing snow on 50 miles of sidewalks, 12
commuter lots, and 70 bus shelters.
While the highway department is hard at work, so is the Clarkstown Police Department. A
typical storm results in car accidents and vehicles stuck on the roads, creating additional work
and hazards for our police officers on patrol. When a particularly heavy storm is expected, the
Clarkstown Police Emergency Operations Center prepares for the worst. This facility serves as
a united command center for town government and our utility providers. During a bad storm, it is
common to find representatives from the Police Department, Town Highway, my office, and
Orange & Rockland all encamped here to share information and help coordinate a better
response to problem areas and residents in need. The activation of the EOC center also
triggers the staffing of extra officers prepositioned in their patrol sectors to provide faster
response times when needed.
Residents pay a big part in storm safety, too. Staying off the roads whenever possible helps
keep accidents down and keeps plow routes clear. Please remember that the town has a
prohibition against overnight on-street parking from November 15th to April 15th and on-street
parking is prohibited altogether during the day of a storm. These rules exist for a very important
reason: a parked car is a huge impediment to plowing a street. Please do your part by staying
home if possible, and keeping your cars off the roads.
As we move through the heart of winter, rest assured that the Town is well-prepared for
whatever snow comes our way, and keep in mind some essential tips to help you navigate the
snowy season with ease:
Stay ahead of the weather by keeping a close eye on forecasts. Knowing when snow is
expected allows you to plan accordingly, whether it's preparing your home, adjusting travel
plans, or simply dressing appropriately.
Ensure your home is ready to face the cold. Insulate windows and doors, check your heating
system, and have emergency supplies like blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable food items
on hand. It's better to be over-prepared than caught off guard during a snowstorm.
Invest in quality snow removal tools like a sturdy snow shovel, snow blower, or ice melt.
Clearing driveways and walkways promptly not only prevents accidents but also makes
navigating your property much easier.
If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure to clear all the snow from the car before
driving. Snow left on your hood, trunk, or rooftop can become deadly projectiles on the road.
Also make sure to equip your vehicle with winter tires and carry essentials like an ice scraper,
blanket, and emergency kit. Drive cautiously, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and
familiarize yourself with winter driving techniques such as skid control measures.
Snowstorms can sometimes lead to power outages. Have a backup power source, such as a
generator, and keep essentials like batteries, candles, and a portable phone charger on hand.
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of the snow. Whether it's building a snowman, sledding,
or simply taking a quiet walk in a snowy park- take the time to appreciate the unique joys that
winter brings. By following these essential snow tips and preparation measures, you can make
the most of the winter season while staying safe and comfortable. So, bundle up, embrace the
cold, and let the magic of the season unfold around you.
