TOWN OF CARY 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2002
7 a.m.

 

FINAL UPDATE

 

CARY, NC – Roads are icy in spots this morning, but things are slowly returning to normal in Cary. Phone and power outages remain the central issue. Please do not call Town government regarding restoration of these services. Please call your service providers directly.

While there were several traffic accidents overnight, none resulted in injury and there were no fires in Cary overnight. However, as in many other cities and towns, Cary citizens are having some trouble operating supplemental heat appropriately. The main issue is remembering to properly ventilate gas logs and kerosene heaters. Cary 9-1-1 has received some calls requesting medical assistance at homes because of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, however no victims have been transported to the hospital.

DEBRIS REMOVAL—Town-wide collection announced!
The Town of Cary will conduct a town-wide storm debris collection beginning on Monday, December 16th at 7 a.m. With the exception of stumps and tree wads, all vegetative debris will be collected at the curb without regards to size at no charge to Cary solid waste customers. To ensure that you can take advantage of this opportunity, you must have all of your debris at the curb—but not in the street—by 7 a.m. December 16th. Crews will be working seven days a week to collect the debris so that it will be completed before Christmas.

Stumps and tree wads will be handled separately; more information on this will follow once plans are finalized.

For those who don’t want to wait for the town-wide collection on the 16th, vegetative storm debris is being accepted at Lexie Lane Park on North Dixon Avenue in downtown Cary.

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
Garbage and recycling collection is on normal schedule, however if you missed us, give us a call at (919) 469-4090, and we’ll put you on the list for a follow-up collection for today.

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS
Town parks and greenways are closed until further notice. Lots of debris-related problems are showing up on Cary parks and greenways, making many unsafe. Trees and limbs continue to block or threaten many popular trails.

Sunday’s annual holiday tree lighting and Page Walker open house will take place as scheduled at 6 p.m.

Focus on Cary focus groups scheduled for today have been cancelled and rescheduled for January 11th. Participants are being notified by phone.

C-Tran, Cary’s door to door transit service, will be cancelled today. If you have a reservation for Monday, you are encouraged to call C-Tran at (919) 481-2020 to confirm that service will be available.

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources activities:

Today’s Santa's Workshop event at the Herb Young Community Center has been moved from 10 a.m. to noon, and will go until 2 p.m. If you have any questions about the event, please call (919) 460-4965.

Athletics: Except for Middle Creek Community Center, practices will begin at 11:30 a.m.; those scheduled prior to 11:30 a.m. are cancelled. Middle Creek Community Center remains without power; a decision will be made by 9:30 a.m. regarding afternoon practices. Call the cancellation line at (919) 319-4500 and press 505 for updated information.

Jordan Hall Arts Center programs: Saturday morning classes are cancelled. A decision will be made by 10 a.m. regarding the afternoon classes. Call the center at (919) 469-4069 for an updated message.

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Center: Trails are closed, and Saturday morning programs are cancelled. Afternoon programs are contingent on the availability of power. Call the center at (919) 387-5980 for an updated message.

The Fine Arts League of Cary Members’ Show will be holding its opening reception on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center.

COMMUNICATIONS
Please do not call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property. Complete severe weather information is also available on the Town’s website, townofcary.org.

###

 

PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 393-4383

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 6, 2002
4 p.m.

 

EVENING UPDATE

CARY, NC – Cary saw a substantial thaw today, but leftover melt is expected to refreeze, causing more hazardous driving conditions this evening. Cary’s A-Team will once again dust problem areas with sand and salt as they continue their town-wide logging effort to pick up fallen trees and limbs. Many side roads remain closed because debris is tangled with power lines. In these cases, Town crews have to wait for the areas to be cleared of any electrical hazard by the power company before they can deal with these trees.

DEBRIS REMOVAL—Town-wide collection announced!

The Town of Cary will conduct a town-wide storm debris collection beginning on Monday, December 16th at 7 a.m. With the exception of stumps and tree wads, all vegetative debris will be collected at the curb without regards to size at no charge to Cary solid waste customers. To ensure that you can take advantage of this opportunity, you must have all of your debris at the curb—but not in the street—by 7 a.m. December 16th. Crews will be working seven days a week to collect the debris so that it will be completed before Christmas.

Stumps and tree wads will be handled separately; more information on this will follow once plans are finalized.

For those who don’t want to wait for the town-wide collection on the 16th, vegetative storm debris is now being accepted at Lexie Lane Park on North Dixon Avenue in downtown Cary.

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
Crews are making collections again today. If you missed us, give us a call at (919) 469-4090, and we’ll put you on the list for a follow-up collection for Saturday.

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS
Town parks and greenways are closed until further notice. Lots of debris-related problems are showing up on Cary parks and greenways, making many unsafe. Trees and limbs block or threaten many popular trails. Town staff is exploring them all and placing warning signs where they find danger.

Sunday’s annual holiday tree lighting and Page Walker open house will take place as scheduled at 6 p.m.

Town government offices and facilities are open under the inclement weather policy, but several are still without power so call before planning to visit any Town facilities.

Focus on Cary focus groups scheduled for Saturday have been cancelled and rescheduled for January 11th. Participants are being notified by phone.

C-Tran, Cary’s door to door transit service, will be cancelled on Saturday. If you have a reservation over the next few days, you are encouraged to call C-Tran at (919) 481-2020 to confirm that service will be available.

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources activities:

Saturday’s Santa's Workshop event at the Herb Young Community Center has been moved from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow, and will go until 2 p.m. If you have any questions about the event, please call (919) 460-4965.

Athletics: Except for Middle Creek Community Center, practices will begin at 11:30 a.m.; those scheduled prior to 11:30 a.m. are cancelled. Middle Creek Community Center remains without power; a decision will be made by 9:30 a.m. regarding afternoon practices. Call the cancellation line at (919) 319-4500 and press 505 for updated information.

Jordan Hall Arts Center programs: Saturday morning classes are cancelled. A decision will be made by 10 a.m. regarding the afternoon classes. Call the center at (919) 469-4069 for an updated message.

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Center: Trails are closed, and Saturday morning programs are cancelled. Afternoon programs are contingent on the availability of power. Call the center at (919) 387-5980 for an updated message.

The Fine Arts League of Cary Members’ Show will be holding its opening reception on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center.

COMMUNICATIONS
Please do not call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property. All non-emergency calls should be placed to (919) 469-4090. Complete severe weather information is also available on the Town’s website, townofcary.org.

The next winter weather update will be issued around 7 a.m. Saturday unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

###

PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Mike Bajorek, Public Works Division Director, (919) 469-4090
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951 or 393-4383

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 6, 2002
5:00 a.m.


MORNING UPDATE

CARY, NC It’s cold, dark, and quiet in Cary this morning. Phone and power outages continue to grip most of the community as Town crews begin the second day of recovery from the early winter storm. The Town of Cary’s non-emergency communications lines are back up. So, citizens can once again make calls to (919) 469-4090.

DRIVING CONDITIONS

With regard to the ice, road conditions are very good in Cary this morning. Be cause there are a few unpredictable slick spots, A Team crews are once again sanding and salting hills, bridges, major intersections, and any other problem spots.

However, several side roads remain closed due to debris. In all there are at least 27 locations in Cary, mostly inside the Maynard loop, where Town chainsaw crews cannot clear debris because the trees and limbs are tied up in utility lines. In these cases, Town crews have to wait for the areas to be cleared of any electrical hazard by the power company before they can deal with these trees.

Drivers and pedestrians should also be very aware of sagging power lines that in some cases can catch on trucks or other high-riding vehicles as they attempt to pass under the lines.

Also, the majority of traffic signals are still out of service in Cary. When approaching such intersections, drivers need to approach them as four-way stops where everyone comes to a complete stop before proceeding. Do not simply pass slowly through any intersection where the lights are out.

DEBRIS REMOVAL

If you encounter a tree or limb on a street or sidewalk do not attempt to remove it yourself. In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, these trees and limbs often come in contact with live electrical wires. Call (919) 469-4090 and notify the chainsaw crews of the debris location.

If you decide to work in your yard today, use extreme caution. Take debris to the curb, but do not place it in the street. Debris is also being accepted at Lexie Lane Park on North Dixon Avenue in downtown Cary.

ACCIDENTS

There have been no overnight traffic accidents or fires reported in Cary. The Cary Fire Department strongly recommends that those without power disconnect or switch off all appliances and electrical devices while the power is still out to avoid problems when power is restored.

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING

Crews are making collections again today. Remember to bring garbage and recycling to the curb. Citizens who are not physically able to bring their garbage to the curb, can call (919) 469-4090 to arrange for special assistance.

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS

Town government offices and facilities are open under the inclement weather policy, but most are still without power so call before planning to visit any Town facilities. Focus on Cary focus groups scheduled for Saturday have been cancelled. They will be rescheduled and participants will be notified by phone.

C-Tran, Cary’s door to door transit service, is following the same schedule as the Wake County Public School System. If you have a reservation over the next few days, you are encouraged to call C-Tran at (919) 481-2020 to confirm that service will be available.

COMMUNICATIONS

Please do not call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property. All non-emergency calls should be placed to (919) 469-4090. Complete severe weather information is also available on the Town’s website, townofcary.org.

The next winter weather update will be issued around 4 p.m. on Friday unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.


###

 

PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Mike Bajorek, Public Works Division Director, (919) 469-4093
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 393-4383

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 5, 2002
Evening Update


EVENING UPDATE


CARY, NCPower has started coming up in some parts of Cary, but most residents and businesses remain in dark & silent because telephone service is out. With the exception of 911, telephones at Cary Town Hall are no longer working including the non emergency number (919) 469-4090.

Storm response activities are being handled via radio & cellular phone. To assist the telephone company in restoring service, please do not make unnecessary telephone calls. Please only call 911, if there is an immediate threat to life or health. Do not call 911 to report falling trees or downed power lines.

There has been one chimney fire & several gas line breaches today. The Cary Fire Department strongly recommends that those without power disconnect or switch off all appliances and electrical devices while the power is still out to avoid problems once power is restored.

While Cary's A Teams will resume sanding and salting this evening, folks are strongly advised not to venture out. Refreezing is expected and more trees will likely fall.

If you decide to work in your yard, use extreme caution. Take debris to the curb but do not place it in the street. Debris is being accepted at lexie lane park in downtown Cary on North Dixon Avenue.

Remember to bring garbage & recycling to the curb.

The next winter weather update will be issued around 5 a.m. Friday, unless changing conditions warrant.

###

PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 393-4383

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 5, 2002
Noon

 

LUNCHTIME UPDATE


CARY, NCWhile the severe weather is over, problems haven’t stopped in Cary as trees and limbs continue to fall under the weight of up to ˝ inch of overnight ice and then as they spring back from this morning’s mild, daylight thaw. Extensive—nearly total—power outages continue throughout Cary, affecting most businesses, homes, and government buildings.

DEBRIS REMOVAL
The Town of Cary has a private contractor supplementing its 20 chainsaw crews patrolling the town to rid streets of trees and fallen limbs. J&D Tree Pros of Apex, NC are focusing on large trees leaning out over major roadways. The contractors specialized equipment can clip the tops of the leaning -trees in 10 minutes. They are currently in the Maynard, Kildaire, and Harrison areas.

If you encounter a tree or limb on a street or sidewalk, do not attempt to remove it yourself. In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, these trees and limbs often come into contact with live electrical wires, and we don't want anyone getting hurt. Call (919) 469-4090 and notify the chainsaw crews of the debris location.

If you decide to work in your yard today, use extreme caution as frozen trees may spring back unexpectedly as they are cut. Take debris to the curb but do not place it in the street. The Town is finalizing plans for a town-wide storm debris collection. Details to follow in subsequent releases.

DRIVING CONDITIONS
Ice is no longer a problem on Cary roadways, but trees are. Hundreds have fallen and continue to drop without warning. Don’t be a falling tree target—stay home. If you have to go out, be sure to call your destination before leaving, and let others know where you are going.

ACCIDENTS
There has been one new storm related traffic accident today; no one was hurt. That brings to total to 32 traffic accidents in Cary since the storm began.
One person was taken to the hospital this morning when a tree fell on him while he was working in his yard. No word on his condition.

GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Crews are making collections today. Remember to bring garbage and recycling to the curb on Thursday. Citizens who are not physically able to take their garbage to the curb can call (919) 469-4090 to arrange for special assistance.

OPENINGS & CLOSINGS
This evening’s meetings of the Mayors’ Task Force on School Assignment, TCAP, and the Information Services Advisory Board are cancelled.

Parks, recreation, and cultural resources programs and activities are cancelled for today and tonight.

Town government offices and facilities are open under the inclement weather policy, but most are without power, so call before planning to visit any facilities.

C-Tran, Cary's door-to-door transit service, is not running today. For Friday, C-Tran will operate on the same schedule as the Wake County Public School System. If you have a reservation for Friday, you are encouraged to call C-Tran at (919) 481-2020 to confirm that service will be available.

COMMUNICATIONS
Please do not call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property. All non-emergency snow calls should be placed to (919) 469-4090; complete severe weather information is also available on the Town's Web site, www.townofcary.org. Get the latest news from the Town via the Web or by subscribing to the Town's free electronic mailing list service. Just click on "Email Service" under Shortcuts on our homepage at townofcary.org.

The next winter weather update will be issued around 4 p.m. Thursday unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

###

PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Mike Bajorek, Public Works Division Director, (919) 469-4093
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951 or 393-4383

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 5, 2002
5:00 a.m
.


EARLY MORNING UPDATE

CARY, NCWhile freezing rain continues to fall, the Town's street maintenance A Teams are joined by ten chain saw teams working to keep Cary roads clear of fallen trees and limbs.  Work will continue 24/7 as long as necessary and safe.  Most, if not all, of Cary appears to be without power.

“It’s a bad situation in Cary that will only get worse as this weather continues,” said public works director Mike Bajorek.  “We have reports of up to ˝” of ice on trees and have hundreds, perhaps over a thousand, trees on streets.” 

DEBRIS REMOVAL
Town crews continue to patrol Cary roadways for downed trees and fallen limbs. If you encounter a tree or limb on a street or sidewalk, do not attempt to remove it yourself. In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, these trees and limbs often come into contact with live electrical wires, and we don't want anyone getting hurt.

DRIVING CONDITIONS
Despite A-Team efforts, roads in Cary, like the rest of the Triangle, are treacherous with debris and patches of black ice.  Do not drive.

OPENINGS & CLOSINGS
C-Tran, Cary's door-to-door transit service, discontinued service at 4:30 p.m. yesterday and is closed today. For Friday, C-Tran will operate on the same schedule as the Wake County Public School System.  If you have a reservation for Friday, you are encouraged to call C-Tran at (919) 481-2020 to confirm that service will be available.

Town government offices and facilities are open under the inclement weather policy.  Call before planning to visit any office.  A decision will be made by 7:00 a.m. for all parks, recreation and cultural activities and classes.  Citizens are encouraged to call the main office at (919) 469-4061 for specific class cancellation and closure information.

ACCIDENTS
There have been no new storm related traffic accidents since the 31 reported yesterday.   One involved minor personal injury, but no one was transported to the hospital.

GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Remember to bring garbage and recycling to the curb on Thursday.  Citizens who are not physically able to take their garbage to the curb can call (919) 469-4090 to arrange for special assistance.

PLOWING & PARKING
Don't park in the street; stick to the entrance of your driveway.  Expect numerous windrows--snow piles--to be created that may block, even bury, street parked vehicles. 

COMMUNICATIONS
Please do not call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property.  All non-emergency snow calls should be placed to (919) 469-4090; complete severe weather information is also available on the Town's Web site, www.townofcary.org.  Get the latest news from the Town via the Web or by subscribing to the Town's free electronic mailing list service. Just click on "Email Service" under Shortcuts on our homepage at townofcary.org.

The next winter weather update will be issued around noon Thursday unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

###

PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Mike Bajorek, Public Works Division Director, (919) 469-4093
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951 or 393-4383

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 4, 2002
9:00 p.m.


WINTER WEATHER WORKED IN CARY

CARY, NC - Freezing rain continues to fall as the second shift of the Town's A-Teams add plowing to their sand/salt spreading regiment.  In attempt to ease significant ice accumulations on the roads, Town of Cary crews have seven plows scouring the slush from roads surfaces throughout Town.  Workers have make already made it to primary roads in subdivisions.  Work will continue 24/7 as long as necessary and safe.

DRIVING CONDITIONS
Despite A-Team efforts, roads in Cary-like the rest of the Triangle-are treacherous.  Do not drive.

OPENINGS & CLOSINGS
C-Tran, Cary's door-to-door transit service, discontinued service at 4:30 p.m. today. For Thursday, C-Tran will operate on the same schedule as the Wake County Public School System.  If you have a reservation for Thursday, you are encouraged to call C-Tran at (919) 481-2020 to confirm that service will be available.

Scheduled parks, recreation, and cultural resources classes and athletic programs tonight are canceled.  The decision to reopen facilities will be made by 7 a.m. Thursday. Citizens are encouraged to call individual facilities for specific class cancellation and closure information before venturing out.

Currently, Town Hall will be open on Thursday on normal schedule.

ACCIDENTS
There have been 31 storm related traffic accidents thus far.  One involved minor personal injury, but no one was transported to the hospital.

GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Remember to bring garbage and recycling to the curb on Thursday.  Citizens who are not physically able to take their garbage to the curb can call (919) 469-4090 to arrange for special assistance.

PLOWING & PARKING
Don't park in the street; stick to the entrance of your driveway.  Expect numerous windrows--snow piles--to be created that may block, even bury, street parked vehicles. 

DEBRIS REMOVAL
Town crews are patrolling Cary roadways throughout the night for downed trees and fallen limbs. If you encounter a tree or limb on a street or sidewalk, do not attempt to remove it yourself. In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, these trees and limbs often come into contact with live electrical wires, and we don't want anyone getting hurt.

COMMUNICATIONS
Please do not call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property.  All non-emergency snow calls should be placed to (919) 469-4090; complete severe weather information is also available on the Town's Web site, www.townofcary.org.  Get the latest news from the Town via the Web or by subscribing to the Town's free electronic mailing list service. Just click on "Email Service" under Shortcuts on our homepage at townofcary.org.

The next winter weather update will be issued around 5 a.m. Thursday unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

###

PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Mike Bajorek, Public Works Division Director, (919) 469-4093
 Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951 or 393-4383

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 4, 2002
4:00 p.m.


WINTER WEATHER HITS CARY

CARY, NCThe wintry mix of sleet and snow that began to fall around 2 p.m. is continuing in Cary, and the Town’s A-Teams have hit the roads, beginning to spread more than 1600 tons of sand and salt on hills, bridges, and major intersections. They will continue 24/7 for as long as necessary and safe. While roads are still in relatively good shape, drivers are encouraged to use extreme caution as slick spots develop and night falls. Complete any preparedness activities as soon as possible, then go home and stay home for the evening.

OPENINGS & CLOSINGS

C-Tran, Cary’s door-to-door transit service, will discontinue service at 4:30 p.m. today. All reservations after that time have been cancelled. For Thursday, C-Tran will operate on the same schedule as the Wake County Public School System. If you have a reservation for Thursday, you are encouraged to call C-Tran at (919) 481-2020 to confirm that service will be available.

Scheduled classes and athletic programs that begin on or after 4:30 p.m. at Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources facilities are canceled. All facilities will close at 6 p.m. The decision to reopen facilities will be made by 7 a.m. Thursday, December 5. Citizens are encouraged to call individual facilities for specific class cancellation and closure information. Or contact the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Administrative Office at (919) 469-4061.

Currently, Town Hall will be open on Thursday on normal schedule.

ACCIDENTS

There have been no storm related traffic accidents thus far.

GARBAGE & RECYCLING

Remember to bring garbage and recycling to the curb since, for their safety and to protect yards, collection crews will not pick up garbage from backyards. Citizens who are not physically able to take their garbage to the curb can call customer service at (919) 469-4090 to arrange for special assistance.

PLOWING & PARKING

Please don’t park in the street; stick to the entrance of your driveway. Public Works crews can’t get through streets blocked by cars. If snow plowing becomes necessary, you can expect numerous windrows--snow piles--to be created that may block, even bury, street parked vehicles. We plow first on thoroughfares and collector streets, then primary roads in subdivisions and finally cul-de-sacs. The Town does not clear private parking lots, including those in apartment and condo complexes.

DEBRIS REMOVAL

Town crews will be patrolling Cary roadways throughout the day and night for as along for as long as it’s safe, looking for downed trees and fallen limbs. If you encounter a tree or limb on a street or sidewalk, please do not attempt to remove it yourself. In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, these trees and limbs often come into contact with live electrical wires, and we don’t want anyone getting hurt.

COMMUNICATIONS

As the event unfolds, citizens are reminded not to call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property. All non-emergency snow calls should be placed to (919) 469-4090; customer service representatives will be staffing the phones 24/7 beginning Wednesday. Complete severe weather information is also available on the Town’s Web site, www.townofcary.org.

As always, the Town will update citizens and the media with news releases throughout the event each morning, afternoon, and evening. Get the latest news from the Town via the Web or by subscribing to the Town’s free electronic mailing list service. Just click on "Email Service" under Shortcuts on our homepage at townofcary.org.

The next winter weather update will be issued around 9 p.m. tonight unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

###

PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Mike Bajorek, Public Works Division Director, (919) 469-4093
Bob Bilodeau, Operations Manager, (919) 469-4055
Bill Coleman, Town Manager, (919) 469-4002
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951 or 393-4383

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 4, 2002
Noon


CARY AWAITS WINTER WEATHER

CARY, NC – With its Snow Command Center now in full operation, the Town of Cary is set to handle whatever Mother Nature may send the Triangle’s way over the next 24-36 hours. Sixteen hundred tons of sand/salt mix, 400 tons of pure salt, and 11 sand/salt spreaders are standing by, along with Cary’s 40-member Winter Weather A-Teams, who have gone to round-the-clock operations.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
While it’s cold and cloudy, precipitation has not begun to fall in Cary. No sand or salt spreading has taken place.

WINTER DRIVING
The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation. Remember that no one drives well on ice. If you have to drive, be sure you’re prepared. Get FEMA’s Fact Sheet and other important information in our special WINTER WEATHER at townofcary.org.

SAND FOR TRACTION
Use sand, not salt or fertilizer, for traction on slick spots. Both salt and fertilizer can be toxic to fish and creek creatures that get impacted when the ice or snow melts and carries these chemicals into waterways.

WINTER PARKING
If it looks like snow or ice, don’t park in the street; stick to the entrance of your driveway. Public works crews can’t get through streets blocked by cars. If snow plowing is ever necessary, you can expect numerous windrows--snow piles--to be created that may block, even bury, street parked vehicles.

HOW WE SAND & PLOW
There are over 450 street miles in Cary. Assuming that freezing precipitation does fall, Town crews will hit bridges, overpasses and major intersections with sand/salt first. If plowing is necessary, we’ll go to thoroughfares and collector streets, then primary roads in subdivisions and finally cul-de-sacs. The Town does not clear private parking lots, including those in apartment and condo complexes.

DEBRIS REMOVAL
Town crews will be patrolling Cary roadways throughout the day and night for as along for as long as it’s safe, looking for downed trees and fallen limbs. If you encounter a tree or limb on a street or sidewalk, please do not attempt to remove it yourself. In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, these trees and limbs often come into contact with live electrical wires, and we don’t want anyone getting hurt.

BE NEIGHBORLY
In case of severe weather, the Town of Cary encourages neighbors to check on neighbors to make sure that everyone is OK. Do not call 911 unless there is an actual threat to life, health, or property. For non-emergency info, go to townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4090.

DON’T GO ALONE
Stay indoors during severe winter weather. If you do decide to venture out, whether walking or driving, let folks know when and where you are going so that they can contact emergency officials should you fail to reach your destination. Take a cell phone just in case.

GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Remember to bring garbage and recycling to the curb if wintry weather does hit since, for their safety and to protect yards, collection crews will not pick up garbage from backyards. Citizens who are not physically able to take their garbage to the curb can call customer service at (919) 469-4090 to arrange for special assistance.

COMMUNICATIONS
As the event unfolds, citizens are reminded not to call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property. All non-emergency snow calls should be placed to (919) 469-4090; customer service representatives will be staffing the phones 24/7 beginning Wednesday. Complete severe weather information is also available on the Town’s Web site, www.townofcary.org.

As always, the Town will update citizens and the media with news releases throughout the event each morning, afternoon, and evening. Get the latest news from the Town via the Web or by subscribing to the Town’s free electronic mailing list service. Just click on "Email Service" under Shortcuts on our homepage at townofcary.org.

The next winter weather update will be issued around 4 p.m. today unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

###

PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Mike Bajorek, Public Works Division Director, (919) 469-4093
Bob Bilodeau, Operations Manager, (919) 469-4055
Bill Coleman, Town Manager, (919) 469-4002
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951 or 393-4383


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 3, 2002


CARY PREPARES FOR WINTER WEATHER

CARY, NCSixteen hundred tons of sand/salt mix, 400 tons of pure salt, and 11 sand/salt spreaders are part of the preparedness complement that the Town of Cary has readied to deal with the winter weather being predicted for tomorrow.

Cary’s 40-member Winter Weather A-Teams will go to round-the-clock operations on Wednesday, working 12-hour shifts out of the Public Works Operations Center on James Jackson Avenue. To deal with the sleet, freezing rain, and even possible snow, Cary’s A-Teams will spring into action even before the first signs of frozen precipitation, spreading sand and salt on bridges, overpasses, and at major intersections on more than 400 miles of roadways throughout Cary.

With significant accumulations of ice predicted, the Town of Cary is prepared to deal with a number of fallen limbs and downed trees, and officials caution citizens to exercise great care.

"If citizens encounter downed trees on roads or sidewalks, we’d prefer they call us to deal with them rather than trying to handle them on their own," said the Town’s Public Works Division Director Mike Bajorek. "In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, these trees and limbs often come into contact with live electrical wires, and we don’t want anyone getting hurt."

If the wintry mix turns unexpectedly to snow, crews will switch to plowing, first focusing on clearing thoroughfares, major intersections, and collector streets; these will be followed by primary roads in subdivisions, then cul-de-sacs. The Town does not clear private parking lots, including those in apartment and condo complexes.

"We’re set," said Bajorek. "We have the supplies, the people, and the plan—everything necessary to do our best with the situation that develops."

Solid waste customers in Cary are reminded to bring their garbage to their curb if wintry weather does hit since, for their safety and to protect yards, collection crews will not pick up garbage from backyards. Citizens who are not physically able to take their garbage to the curb can call customer service at (919) 469-4090 to arrange for special assistance.

As the event unfolds, citizens are reminded not to call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property. All non-emergency snow calls should be placed to (919) 469-4090; customer service representatives will be staffing the phones 24/7 beginning Wednesday. Complete severe weather information is also available on the Town’s Web site, www.townofcary.org.

As always, the Town will update citizens and the media with news releases throughout the event each morning, afternoon, and evening. Get the latest news from the Town via the Web or by subscribing to the Town’s free electronic mailing list service. Just click on "Email Service" under Shortcuts on our homepage at townofcary.org.

The next winter weather update will be issued around noon Wednesday unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Mike Bajorek, Public Works Division Director, (919) 469-4093
Bob Bilodeau, Operations Manager, (919) 469-4055
Bill Coleman, Town Manager, (919) 469-4002
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951 or 393-4383