COUNTY PREPARES ROADS FOR SNOW
The Gloucester County Department of Public Works is busy brining emergency routes, overpasses and major county roadways today in anticipation of the forecasted one to two inches of snow expected to begin later tonight. By the end of the day all of the county’s 410 miles of roadway will be brined. If it does snow, we ask that you let our Public Works crews do their job and take your time going to work or driving. The county’s trucks are prepared and loaded with salt and have 3,600 tons of salt on hand throughout the county and four brine tanks as brining is very effective in this type of weather. The Public Works Department generally 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.
In response to the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast for the next 24 to 36 hours, Freeholder Deputy Director Giuseppe (Joe) Chila said that the Gloucester County Office of Emergency Response is implementing its Code Blue Plan. Given that the five-day forecast currently predicts temperatures/conditions necessitating Code Blue accommodations be available for the duration (Tuesday, Dec. 12) at the “First Call for Help” arrangements 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,” Chila said.
The following information can be shared with anyone who would benefit from temporary relief from the cold/inclement weather which is available at the listed county and municipal facilities: (Please take note of the hours/days of operation for each of the facilities). Contact Information: First Call for Help – Gloucester County Homeless Hotline (County Code Blue Contact)
Tel: 800-648-0132 Open: Mon – Fri 4 pm – 8 am; 24 hours Sat & Sun; Special instructions: Call for location. Warming Center Locations (mainly weekdays): Franklin Twp. Community Center, Glassboro Library, Greenwich Library, Logan Library, Mullica Hill Library, Newfield Library, Mantua Township Community Center, Gloucester County Division of Social Services, Swedesboro Library and Pfeiffer Community Center in Williamstown.