SNOW thankful for Team Macon-Bibb

As most of us made our way to the grocery store to get bread and milk, looked for our warmest mittens and hats, tried to decide if a storage bin top or a cookie sheet would work best as a sled, a group of very special people were hard at work to keep us safe.

The work started days before we knew how much and if Macon-Bibb would be sprinkled with snow. The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) held almost daily meetings with our first responders and County support, giving them the latest weather update and what they would need to prepare for. Our EMA Director Spencer Hawkins also went on Facebook live a few times to give people the latest on what we know and how to prepare.

As the reality of precipitation and cold temperatures inched closer, our Public Works, Facilities and Management, and Parks and Beautification started to prepare by salting streets and sidewalks.

Since Tuesday, our Public Works crew poured 150 tons of salt and gravel mix on more than 70 bridges, sections of road, and intersections. They worked 28 hours in two days.

"I'm really proud they hung in there for 17 hours the day of the storm and came right back the next day and put in another 11 hours," said Public Works Director Tim Wilder. "It shows that at Public Works, we have a good team that will stand in there and get the job completed no matter what it takes."

Our Parks and Beautification team assisted our local hospitals, pouring salt mix on the sidewalks and entrances. They also assisted our Sheriff's Office in clearing ice from roadways.

"Each and every day we are Team Macon-Bibb, but that is so visibly evident when severe weather strikes," said Mayor Lester Miller. "The only question we get is how soon can we help, and it makes me proud of our team."

Our Sheriff's Office and Fire Department helped patrol and make sure people were getting where they needed to safely.

"As so many people do as needed by hunkering down and staying home, our crews mobilize to clear roads and help public safety continue to protect our community," said County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett. "We are so much safer when weather hits because our of crews and public safety personnel's dedication and expertise."

Our teams worked together and effectively to protect our community and keep them aware of the risks with driving in the snow. Macon-Bibb saw 2-3 inches of snow Tuesday and by the looks of our social media post, most enjoyed it. Click here to see pictures from the snow day.

Winter weather is still in full effect, so make sure to follow weather updates on the EMA Facebook page and download the MBCAlert app. Click here to download on Google Play and click here to download on Apple.