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January 14, 2008 - Coordination efforts that began at 5 p.m. Sunday paid off for City officials in the wake of Monday morning's snow storm, authorities said yesterday.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno began coordinating efforts to handle the snowfall with directors of the City's Department of Public Works, Public School System, Office of Emergency Preparedness, Parks and Police Departments early Sunday afternoon.
"We benefited greatly from the proactive approach, which we were able to take based on the forecast," said Sarno.
Despite the city's preparation for the storm, the very nature of the snow created its own set of challenges. Extremely heavy and wet, today's snowfall caused more than 100 trees and limbs to fall around the City. The collection and shredding of those trees and limbs was led by Parks Director Patrick Sullivan.
The downed tree limbs also caused electrical lines to fail, leaving close to 10,000 residents without power in various areas throughout the City. Electricity was expected to be restored to all households by 5 p.m.
Acting Director of Emergency Preparedness Robert Hassett said quick restoration of electrical power at Keystone Woods, an assisted living complex on Grayson Drive, avoided the evacuation of more than 200 people there.
Director of Public Works Al Chwalek said the light traffic on the roads today was extremely beneficial for the 135 plow trucks that worked to clear the snow. Chwalek said a good number of residents obeyed parking bans during this storm, which also allowed the snow plowers to work more effectively and efficiently.
The approximately 15 new blue blinking lights that alert drivers to parking bans have been effective, Chwalek said, adding that the City is looking to add additional lighting throughout various neighborhoods.
Mayor Sarno recognized the efforts of Chwalek, Sullivan, Hassett, Superintendent of Schools Joseph Burke, Peter Hogan of the School Department and Deputy William Fitchett of the Police Department in working together to meet the needs of yesterday's inclement weather effectively and efficiently.
"The plan of attack paid off in neighborhood after neighborhood," said Sarno. "Of course, you can't expect perfection when you are battling Mother Nature and we appreciate the patience, which residents showed as we handled unpredictable situations."
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