Chestermere managed to ride out the first blast of winter without too much trouble this past week.
“I think that really, yes it impacted the motorists, but it actually slowed everybody right down so it actually kind of helped from the emergency side of things,” said Chestermere Fire Services Chief Brian Pomrenke.
That isn’t to say that Chestermerians weren’t affected.
“It slowed traffic right down to a creep or a crawl or a standstill in most areas,” said Pomrenke.
While the commute may have been slow it was nothing like the commuter chaos in Calgary or on the highways North and West of the city.
“I know there was events on the QE2 again incidents in and through Calgary that created a lot of havoc for commuters,” said Pomrenke.
While Chestermere may have gotten off comparatively lightly, Pomrenke said it is a good reminder for people to make sure that are ready for bad weather, regardless of the season.
“A clear message regardless of the time of year, when we do have inclement weather to be prepared,” he said.
One of the most important things people can do in the winter with snowy and icy roads is makes sure to slow down and take a little extra time as needed to get to one’s destination.
“You may deem yourself a very good driver but that doesn’t mean everybody else around you is,” said Pomrenke.
“So you have to be patient and accepting that others aren’t as prepared as maybe you can be,” he said.
Pomrenke also urges people to make sure they have the appropriate supplies in their car in case of an emergency situation, such as the highway closures west of Calgary that saw motorists stranded for hours.
“Are you prepared for the weather,” he said, “do you have jackets and boots.”
He also recommends keeping that gas tank full, especially when setting out on the highway.
In the city, Pomrenke said that the roads crews have been working hard to clear the city streets.
“Be aware that we do have priority routes so not all routes within the city are cleared,” he said.
Chestermere Mayor Marshall Chalmers said that the plows were out at 5 a.m. working to combat the blizzard Oct. 2.
“We got hammered,” said Chalmers, “I’m sure it’s well over a foot.”
“They’re keeping the priority roads open and now they’re starting to tackle other areas,” he said.
Information on the city’s road clearing policy and the priority routes can be found on the city website at www.chestermere.ca.
While the commute is often the main focus when a storm hits, Pomrenke said that it is also important for people to consider other winter hazards.
“Make sure that your sidewalks are cleared off,” he said.
“Watch your steps that are very icy this time of year,” said Pomrenke.
And while much of the snow from that first blizzard has melted, Pomrenke said that it is important to check and ensure that vents and chimneys are clear of snow.
