By: Scott Larson
slarson@kcautv.com
With the upcoming winter storm, it's inevitable that travel is going to be tough. And that's why the city of Sioux City has been getting its fleet of sixty snow removal vehicles ready for action. Brian Fahrendholz, Sioux City Field Services Manager, says, "Right now we have staff getting all of the truck plows, spreaders, and chains mounted on all of the equipment so we can be ready to go as soon as the snow starts flying."
But the city shouldn't be the only ones getting prepared - there's a few things you can do as well. First, download our Channel Nine Eyewitness News App so you can have the latest weather information right on your phone. Another great resource is the Iowa Department of Transportation (http://www.511ia.org/). From there, you can get a look at road conditions and even live images of the roads you're driving on. Dakin Schultz, Iowa DOT Third District Director, says, "If you have the availability of web use or computer use, you're able to basically see everything that we're able to see."
Social media is also a great way to stay up to date. The Iowa DOT will be using Twitter to send out the latest road conditions. And they even want to know what you're seeing...just send out a tweet using the hashtag #iowadot. Dakin says, "Via our Twitter feed, we ask that you do it while you're not operating a vehicle, but that you're giving us an idea of what you're seeing out on the roadway."
But as always, the best advice is to stay home and off the roads if you can.
If you are going to be out on the roads during the snowy weather, make sure to give the car in front of you plenty of room. Also make sure your vehicle's windows, headlights, and taillights are cleared of ice and snow and that your lights are on.
Most importantly - never forget that winter survival kit! A flashlight with extra batteries, a NOAA weather radio, extra snacks and water, along with medicine and first aid supplies are all good things to include in your kit. Don't forget a blanket or something else that can help to keep you warm.
