Safety is the priority as Triangle towns prepare for winter weather

Friday was a busy one for those in public works across the Triangle as cities and towns readied for the first snow of the season.

"We have a couple things going on," said Marvin Williams, public works director for the City of Durham.

There is the typical readying of the roadways.

North Carolina Department of Transportation crews were spraying brine – a chemical mix that includes salt to keep surfaces from freezing as quickly – and checking that plow trucks are ready to meet any snow that accumulates.

"We also have all of our drivers going over their routes again to identify any hazards that may be potentially covered up by snow," Williams said.

His team planned to rest up on Friday and work around the clock once the storm hits.

"The question is when," Williams said, "if we do that as of Saturday night, or do we wait until Sunday morning?"

The City of Durham will call on 100 employees.

"Everybody’s coming in. Everybody’s required to work within our maintenance division," Williams said. "Some staff from our engineering and stormwater divisions are going to be helping out with staffing the emergency operations center.”

Durham employed five trucks Friday, spreading 32,000 gallons of brine. The Bull City has a stockpile that includes 3,000 tons of salt and 500 tons of sand to create friction should road surfaces require it.

Statewide, the DOT expects to spread 130,000 gallons of brine by Saturday.

"We’re ready for it," Williams said.

One key is for most drivers to stay off snow- and ice-slick roads so that crews can do their job.

"Do not drive anywhere if you really don’t have to," Williams said.

"If you do drive, take it slow. And do not follow the plow trucks. Even though people think that’s a good idea, it does actually cause more problems for both our drivers and the motorists who are following them."

At the Durham Rescue Mission, staff and volunteers were working the streets as well, searching for those who might need shelter from the cold and snow.

"It will be our busiest weekend of this cold season so far," said Rob Tart, rescue mission chief operating officer.

"The homeless population doesn’t keep up with the weather reports. They don’t watch the news. They don’t really see this coming like the average person would. They’re out in the woods or under a bridge."

Tart said the coming winter storm allows the rescue mission to live its mission.

"We’re called rescue mission for a reason," he said. "We’re trying to rescue people from perishing, not only in spirit issues, but in physical issues."

In Raleigh, snow lovers were stocking up on sleds, shovels and firewood. Joshua Logan from Logan’s Garden Shop in Raleigh said Friday was a busy day.

Cash registers were ringing at a New Bern Avenue grocery store as others stocked up on eggs, milk and bread.

Residents like Mary Taylor have her own idea of what she wants to see out of this winter storm.

"No sleet, no snow - rain. And I don't even work," she said.