After the snow blizzard that paralyzed Lubbock last winter, city officials were motivated for change and created a new snow policy to prevent a disaster happening again.
“We needed to tighten up a few things,” Lubbock Police Chief Greg Stevens said. “The biggest issue is communication. We need to make sure that we communicate with the public early on and set expectations and manage people’s expectations.”
A new Snow and Ice Removal Policy was introduced and effective on October 1. Friday morning, city officials held a press conference to go into detail what all is included.
“When a weather related threat becomes known, we access the threat, and try to define the expectations and impacts that threat will have on the citizens of Lubbock and their property,” Emergency Management Director Jay Parchman said.
Three snow plows were purchased, one to replace an old plow and two still pending, therefore, five in total. 11 salt and sand 12 yard trucks, and three six yard trucks are prepared with front loaders and motor graders.
“They are multipurpose vehicles, we do use these throughout the year, even in the winter time to deliver materials to our construction site,” Director of Public Works Wood Franklin said.
A new map of the city was made, outlining the first routes to take after snow removal for first responders and residents who need to leave their property.
“It’s important for the public to be aware of these routes so not only they’re used for emergency purposes, so that the public can use these routes,” Franklin said.
The policy, map, contact information, and preparation tips can be found at mylubbock.us.