County highway ready for winter weather

While it has been hard for most people to think about the upcoming winter months, the calendar suggests the time is drawing near. With that said, there are things motorists can do to mitigate the hazards that await.

According to information released by the Ripley County Emergency Agency’s Director James Coffee, you should have a winter driving safety kit in each vehicle you will be operating. You can create your own kit equipping it with blankets, flashlight, extra batteries, snacks and water just in case you are stranded. You should have a first aid kit, jumper cables, spare tire, warm clothes, ice scraper and shovel.

Next check your tires, wipers and batteries to ensure they can handle the winter precipitation whether it be snow and/or ice. You should always check the weather before traveling and remember to slow down on slippery roads if you must travel.

Ripley County Highway Superintendent Jason Edwards noted they have plenty of salt and cinder-mix and the fleet of 16 Kenworth trucks are road ready. “We have at least 10,000 ton of salt,” he said, along with a huge pile of cinder-mix. The county has 711.4 miles of roads to maintain and clear during inclement weather and 18 employees to cover shifts.

When asked how motorists can be helpful during snow and winter storm events, Tim Sides, South District Foreman, said, “Just give us room. Be patient. Let us do our job.”

Supt. Edwards noted that it’s hard to maneuver the big trucks with snowplows and they ask that people not park on the edge of the roadway. Now they have eight new plows that can turn more easily, but before they were working with plows that just plowed right or left but couldn’t turn in the middle.

Are they ready? The short answer is, “Yes.” They will be out in full force when the weather strikes, doing everything they can to maintain roads that are good to drive on.

Know the warnings!

If you hear that Ripley County has a Winter Weather Advisory this is what to expect: potentially dangerous winter weather is expected within the next 12 to 36 hours or is occurring. Travel difficulties are expected. Be Aware.

Winter Storm Warning: dangerous winter weather is expected within the next 12 to 36 hours or is occurring. Considerable travel problems are expected. Take Action.

Blizzard Warning: severe winter weather is expected within the next 12 to 36 hours or is occurring – including whiteout conditions. Do not travel. Take Action.

Those giving the warnings encourage motorists to take them seriously. Please do not be on the road if you don’t have to. That’s the bottom line. If you have to, be extremely cautious.