Township officials outline snow removal plans and emergency protocols ahead of potential major snowfall.
With forecasts predicting a potentially major winter storm, Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo released a public service announcement urging Bensalem residents to prepare for significant snowfall. While meteorologists are still refining the exact accumulation totals, the Mayor noted that if the area sees a foot or more of snow, cleanup will take time.
“We want to make sure everybody understands the possibilities of what we might have to do here,” DiGirolamo said, referencing the historic blizzard of 1996 as a worst-case scenario the township hopes to avoid.
The Details
Township officials have fully mobilized ahead of the weather event. According to Deputy Director of Public Safety Bob Race, staffing levels for police, fire, and EMS have been increased to ensure rapid response times. Additionally, the township’s Emergency Management Committee is on standby to assist Public Works should the storm result in prolonged power outages.
The Mayor’s primary request for residents is to remove vehicles from the roadways. Parking in driveways is crucial for two reasons: it allows plows to clear the streets curb-to-curb, and it ensures fire trucks and ambulances can navigate neighborhoods safely.
Public Works will be deploying extra machinery, including backhoes, specifically for clearing cul-de-sacs. The Mayor also advised residents to delay shoveling the end of their driveways until the storm concludes. “This kind of snow will be coming through two or three times,” DiGirolamo explained, noting that plows will likely push snow back into cleared driveways during their rounds.
Officials also noted that they maintain a list of vulnerable residents, such as those requiring dialysis, to ensure they maintain access to medical care. If conditions deteriorate significantly, the Mayor stated he is prepared to declare a formal State of Emergency.
Why It Matters to Bensalem
For residents, this update triggers several immediate responsibilities. First, parking enforcement is likely; keeping cars off the street prevents you from being plowed in or receiving a ticket. Second, homeowners are reminded that sidewalk clearing is their responsibility once the storm passes.
Furthermore, safety is a priority. Residents are asked to shovel out fire hydrants near their property to save firefighters critical seconds during an emergency. Finally, patience is requested regarding cul-de-sacs, which require heavy machinery and take longer to clear than main arteries like Street Road or Knights Road.
Source Information in this report was sourced from an official public service announcement by the Bensalem Township Mayor’s Office.
