Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins has declared that Cranston officials are ready to tackle the upcoming winter and snow season.

 “I want to advise Cranston residents and businesses that our public works department is ready for sanding and plowing our local streets,” Hopkins said.

In a statement issued today, Thursday, Dec. 7, Hopkins stated that city officials have been planning and preparing for the upcoming winter and its impact on roads and the community at large. The mayor said his administration has been planning for the various contingencies that occur as the city faces the unpredictable weather of the New England region.

“Our priority is the safety of all residents, school children, and businesses as we coordinate plans with public works crews and public safety personnel,” he said.

The mayor noted preparation meetings have been occurring over a broad range of city departments beyond just the front-line public works department.

“I have also made sure that our police and fire departments, building maintenance, and senior services departments are all working together to be ready for the winter season,” Hopkins added.

The mayor expressed his appreciation and optimism that the Public Works Department and Highway Maintenance employees can timely respond to various storm levels in the next several months. He said planning includes having sanding and snow plowing equipment ready, stockpiling salt and sand and attracting outside plow vendors to be available for larger snowstorms.

“Snow preparation does not start the morning of a snow fall,” said Hopkins. “We look at forecast models several days or even a week ahead to be able to respond with a comprehensive plan for our residents, schools and businesses. Our leadership of the police and fire departments have their personnel ready to assist and render help for the New England storms that blanket our community.”

Mayor Hopkins said highway crews are committed to getting Cranston streets open and passable for residents as soon as possible. 

“The intensity of each storm varies but our proven program of pre-treating roads, being mindful of some areas with large hills, and keeping up with strong winds and varying accumulations is the challenge,” he said.

The mayor explained the city first works to get roads open and then go back through each neighborhood to widen and clean up streets.

“I ask for everyone’s cooperation and patience,” said Hopkins. “Common sense must prevail by residents before venturing out on the roads. Let the highway crews do their work without dealing with stuck vehicles around neighborhoods that slow down our plowing operations. For everyone’s safety, let us get the roads plowed and schools open for students.”

The mayor said residents can play a vital role in helping the city during snowstorms. He cited these points:

- Follow local weather forecasts and make sure adequate food and water supplies are made in advance.

- Be ready for power outages with flashlights, batteries, and generators.

- Sign up for media or broadcast announcements for school and work delays or cancellations.

- Use caution in shoveling but try, and keep sidewalks in front of homes and businesses clear.

- Observe parking bans and keep Cranston streets clear for plowing.

- Keep an eye on elderly neighbors or residents who may need assistance.

- Be aware of warming or emergency shelters opened if needed.

- Contact police or fire departments for emergency matters that need immediate attention.

The mayor emphasized that School Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse has one of the more difficult jobs in making judgment calls to open or keep schools closed.  Hopkins stated that while the decision is the superintendent to make, he tries to support and share the best information he can with her.  Hopkins said often in the middle of the night or early morning she must make a tough call on opening schools. 

“Student safety and the ability for staff to get to school take priority,” Hopkins said. “We review the early morning forecasts, predicted length and severity of snowstorms, and the status of street plowing and snow removal around the schools. Most times the right call is made but occasionally a storm switches up both in a good or bad way.”

Mayor Hopkins said that the city snow budget is about $825,000 for plowing, material, equipment repairs, overtime, and outside contractors. He said that figure does not include regular employee salary costs for highway maintenance personnel.

“We are ready and ask Cranston citizens to work with us as they always do to help us navigate the upcoming season of snow and winter challenges,” Hopkins concluded.