Jacobs: Ready or not, the winter is here and the county is ready!

Mineola,NY- Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) has joined with the Nassau County Commissioner of Public Works Peter Gerbasi in reminding residents that as the winter approaches and the snow begins to fall, motorists must remember to drive safely and be prepared.

"Don't be caught off guard by the winter's first big snowfall," said Legislator Jacobs. "Winterize and equip your vehicle with the appropriate tools for handling snow emergencies. Anti-freeze, windshield cleaning fluid, snowbrushes and scrapers are essential items that everyone must have," she added.

The Nassau County Department of Public Works is ready to roll at the first sign of snow. It has over 120 trucks with spreaders and plows, 134 personnel available on call and 15,000 tons of sand and salt stockpiled at 10 locations, to ensure that the roads are as safe as possible if you must venture out on them.

The following are some helpful driving tips to get through the winter season:

• Do not drive at all during a severe snowstorm unless absolutely necessary. With fewer cars on the road, the plows can get through faster.
• Make sure that all cars are equipped with snow or radial tires. When cars get stuck on the road, they block the plows.
• Do not park cars on the road during a snowstorm. If possible, move your car into the driveway or off-street parking area so that the plows can do a thorough job.

For more information you can contact the Department of Public Works at 516-571-3139.