The City of Austin is bracing to handle a clapback from Mother Nature, with potential ice storms forecast for 2024. The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) is beefing up its winter weather game by training its Street and Bridge Operations (SBO) Team in everything from chainsaw handling to first aid, according to an announcement made by the department.
These city workers are gearing up to become the front-line defense in making sure the streets stay clear and the traffic keeps rolling. They've learned how to quickly install vehicle chains and to properly spread brine and dolomite, so slipping and sliding don't dominate the streets. The department decided to quickly up its game after various special training exercises, designed to ensure a swift response during winter emergencies.
TPW isn't stopping at training; they're also throwing new gear into the mix. The city's stash of battery backups for traffic signals has gotten a boost and additional generators have been snagged to keep the lights blinking when power outages try to throw a wrench in the works.
Austin's not looking to hog all the responsibility, though. The city's calling on Austinites to play their part in making things safer when Jack Frost comes knocking. Staying off the roads as much as possible during dicey conditions could go a long way to keep the city from sliding into chaos.
When it comes to dealing with the daily grind of winter, defogging windshields each morning can be a real drag. But a handy guide from Autoweek.com, shared by the city, lays out the quick de-fog steps you need: crank that heater up, flip on the A/C, open up the windows, and make sure your car's not trying to recirculate that foggy air.
And don't let your tires fall flat when Jack Frost takes a bite. Cold temps cause the air to beat it fast, so be sure to check your tire pressure before heading out. The city reminds folks to light up those bikes in the evenings and to wrap up warm if you're planning on biking or waiting on the bus.
