Throughout history, the public works professional has faced many challenges when it comes to winter maintenance. The rapid expansion of mobile devices has drastically changed the winter maintenance environment. The reality is, that rather than focusing primarily on staffing, equipment, and ice control products – many are polishing their skills on how to deal with media outlets, elected officials and public expectations. The devastating snow and ice events that took place in the winter of 2013/2014 exposed weaknesses in the winter maintenance plans of many communities as they were forced to deal with unexpected, extraordinary challenges.

This session will focus on winter maintenance operations in association with extreme winter weather events. Attention will be given to extreme event preparation and planning which will include incite on positive relationship building with the general public, elected officials and media outlets.

For public works professionals that deal with snow and ice it is imperative that both they and their communities prepare prior to that unexpected event ever happening.

After viewing this program, participants will be better able to:

1) Proactively plan resource needs in association with an extreme winter weather event.
2) Evaluate management practices in dealing with public expectations.
3) Identify how to build positive relationships with elected officials and media outlets.

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Contributor(s)

Jeffrey Shaw, P.E.;Dan Nabors, P.E.;Frank Gross, Ph.D., P.E.;Christopher S. Chromy, P.E., P.T.O.E