Gloucester County Preparing For Winter Storm

Gloucester County is preparing for winter weather that is expected to hit the region over the next several days. The Gloucester County Department of Public Works will be brining emergency routes, overpasses and major county roadways throughout the next few days, officials said on Thursday.

“The public works crews take excellent care of the 410 miles of county roadway. We ask that when you see our crews working that you take your time and give them plenty of space,” Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert Damminger said.

“The county’s trucks are prepared and loaded with salt. We have 7,000 tons of salt on hand throughout the county and 10,000 gallons of brine,” Freeholder Heather Simmons, liaison to the Gloucester County Department of Public Works, said. “We always are working to keep our roadways safe and we ask that motorists minimize travel whenever possible during icy and snowing conditions.”

Officials said crews will not plow roads until there is upward of two inches of snow on the ground. They may spread salt on overpasses and icy areas, and when necessary push slush off the roadways.

A Code Blue alert may be put into effect if the temperatures drop, officials said. That happens when the temperature is 32 with precipitation, or 27 degrees without, or if there is a sustained wind chill of 32 for more than two hours.

Given that the forecast currently predicts temperatures/conditions necessitating Code Blue, accommodations would be through the “First Call for Help” arrangements are listed below.

“We have been working with our local community partners on this plan to provide information, and potentially direct assistance, to those homeless in their communities in need of, and receptive to, shelter from the elements,” Damminger said.

The First Call for Help, Homeless Hotline is staffed 24 hours/day throughout the week. The hotline number is 1-800-648-0132. It is the designated entry point for all Code Blue shelter placements for residents of Gloucester County.

The attached image was provided by Gloucester County officials.