tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post8851238913554112691..comments2023-10-17T22:56:42.784-04:00Comments on Only in The Republic of Amherst: Government Shutdown?Larry Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614645831526190536noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-55039712348858614082013-12-17T17:59:17.295-05:002013-12-17T17:59:17.295-05:00There are plans in place for a coordinated DPW res...There are plans in place for a coordinated DPW response if necessary due to a public safety emergency. It may not be sent automatically, but once an update is received, if it calls for DPW, they will respond and be sent. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-58204899127345520422013-12-15T18:04:44.740-05:002013-12-15T18:04:44.740-05:00In the midst of a significant snowstorm, with belo...In the midst of a significant snowstorm, with below-freezing temperatures and the potential of a lot of water being used (as that sorta <b>is</b> how the fire would be fought were it as bad as feared -- I'd hope that the DPW pulled at least one plow/sander off the road and sent it to the scene to be of assistance.<br /><br />If it, like the ambulance, isn't needed, fine -- isn't it better to have it there than not?<br /><br />Firefighters really can't do much if they can't stand upright -- and rubber boots (or at least the ones I had/have) are particularly treacherous on wet ice. Which you would quickly have with water already frozen on the ground and more coming down on top of it...<br /><br />This is the sort of situation where the sand truck (and I *think* that it would have to be a sand/salt mix and not the new spray stuff) could well be the most desperately needed piece of equipment on the scene. (It also likely would be quite helpful to plow the snow out of the way so the guys aren't stumbling around in it.)<br /><br />If nothing else, a dump truck and a pile on the lawn, with the ability to bring more loads as needed as the firefighters themselves could spread it <b>if they have it!</b> Even without the wind blowing (and the spray drifting around with it), you're going to have a significant ice buildup and need to keep putting grit down so the guys can walk.<br /><br />Ever see the "morning after" pictures of a major fire in the winter? Ever notice how there is ice absolutely <b>everywhere</b>? And even with chains, fire trucks can't always get up hills on their own -- I personally remember one situation where it not only was necessary to wait for the sander but the sander had to go up the hill <b>backwards</b> -- sanding it's own path first.<br /><br />Like I said, and at the expense of reduced snow clearing elsewhere in town, I'd like to think that the DPW diverted at least one truck for this until it was known it wasn't needed.... Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035949355013113578.post-6255048582628148072013-12-15T14:21:23.747-05:002013-12-15T14:21:23.747-05:00Larry, you imp, you. The gummint was closed alrea...Larry, you imp, you. The gummint was closed already. You sure don't want to pay time and a half for someone to shovel, do you? It will be done in good, parsimonious, time. And thanks to our public safety personnel!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com