80 salt trucks are sent out by Indianapolis DPW in advance of the winter storm

Indianapolis, Indiana – Residents of Indianapolis are getting ready for a big snowstorm that is expected to hit this weekend.

As they get ready for safe travel in the icy weather, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works is sending out 80 snow trucks to clean roads.

Auboni Hart, an interim chief communications officer for Indy DPW, stated, “At this time, we are gathering all of our salt, so that will give us the chance to salt the roads before the snow falls, making it a little more difficult for the snow to stick and form into ice.”

As temperatures start to drop, making ice probable, Indy DPW is attempting to protect all vehicles by pretreating important roads, bridges, and overpasses to avoid collisions.

When that occurs, Hart stated, “Our crews will go out and shovel that snow and ice, and do our best to break it up and move it off to the sides and out of the way for our road users.”

Hart underlined that in order to keep the roadways clear, staff will be working nonstop.
Because you have to drive slowly and carefully, drivers should drive below the speed limit, Hart advised. “To allow our drivers to work, give yourself more room both away from them and between you and other drivers. Getting caught by one of those plows is something you want to avoid. For these autos, it functions similarly to a can opener.

Slow down below the posted speed limit and stock your car with necessities like additional clothing, blankets, hand warmers, and phone chargers to keep safe throughout the storm.

According to Dr. Tyler Stepsis, medical director of emergency health at Eskenazi Health, “if you have to be outside for more than a few minutes at a time, you really want to protect as much skin as you can.” “If exposed to the weather for an extended period of time, every inch of exposed skin can become frostbitten.”

Bring extra clothing and take many indoor breaks if you must work outside.

According to Stepsis, “Your body can only warm itself so much before that core temperature starts to dip.” “When it does, it also changes the way your brain works.”

It is advised that you stay at home if you don’t have to go out.