9/9/15 – It was a packed house today at the Winter Preparedness Workshop 2015. Partners from utility companies, law enforcement, fire department, tribal, federal and state came together today to discuss the upcoming El Nino winter. More than 70 attendees came from all over Navajo and Apache counties to learn more about what is expected in the upcoming winter forecast, what we are doing to get ready now.
Tony Merriman from the National Weather Service presented the latest information on the upcoming winter with predications of snow and precipitation around 30-50% on average or higher this year. Tony and the folks at the National Weather Service are able to provide forecast information weekly, daily and more if there is an urgent situation. In order to help them develop more accurate records we will be working with them to report snowfall amounts on the ground in various areas.
Other issues that were discussed included the snow removal policies for Apache and Navajo Counties. The two counties have nearly identical policies in regards to clearing the roads and making sure they are safe. Primary roads and school bus routes will be cleared first followed by minor roads and residential areas. Please note that driveway snow clearing is the responsibility of the resident. In emergency situations the Sheriff’s Office may contact the Road Yard Supervisor so they can coordinate movement of emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire trucks, etc.). To read more the Navajo County policy can be found at http://www.navajocountyaz.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Snow-Management. For Apache County contact the Apache County Engineering Department at (928) 337-7528.
Mary Springer and Catrina Jenkins presented the Ready Navajo County mass notification system. This new system is available to our partners in the first responder community as well as the local utility companies. For example, if there is a power outage and you are oxygen dependent or have medications that need to be refrigerated the power company can request a notice to be distributed with pertinent information. At this time this system is only available in Navajo County, however, Apache County is working on getting a system soon.