Noel Street Superintendent Christopher Craig was working on Tuesday to get equipment ready for possible icy weather.
"Ice is the number one danger," he said. "Snow is bad, but ice is the big danger."
He said he was working on the town's spreader box, a large hopper that goes on the back of a large truck that spreads a mix of finely crushed rock and salt at intersections to help motorists make it through the icy conditions.
Craig said there are a few key areas around town he will focus on treating with the spreader, including hills and intersections, as well as a few busy areas of Main Street.
"There's so many hills they are our first focus. We will get to the flat lands after the priority areas," he said. "If we can prevent these (areas) from icing it's a lot safer. The way I see it as prevention -- I go out there before the weather hits and treat the roads."
He added that with limited resources, sometimes the department is fighting a losing battle. He recommended that people do not go out in icy conditions if they do not have to.
"We will treat some parts of Main Street. We will focus on the post office. We'll keep the sidewalks clear there. Those areas are so highly traveled. We'll focus on the parking area also. The pharmacy also will be a priority and also the doctor's office in case anyone has an emergency. Those are the three areas we will make sure are kept as clear as possible," he said. "The intersections, the hills and those three areas are my main focus."
The department has two pallets of bagged salt to be mixed with fine-grade rock, he said.
"Right now the plow isn't going to come into play. We're getting the plow ready for snowfall. Of course, snow will turn into ice too, when it gets packed down."
Craig said the department does its best to keep people safe during winter weather.
"We'll be ready for whatever weather comes in. The weather is my number one concern right now. I want to make sure everything is prepared."
General News on 12/08/2016