Providence officials discusses strategies ahead of winter season

PROVIDENCE, R.I (WLNE) — The City of Providence and the Department of Public Works discussed plans for the upcoming winter season Friday morning.

“We are here with DPW today to let the residents, business owners, and visitors of Providence know that we are prepared and ready for whatever mother nature may throw at us this year,” Mayor Brett Smiley said.

The city said it is looking for snow plow drivers for the season.

After a summer of extreme weather events, officials said they are paying close attention to potential flooding as snow melts or in the event the city has a warmer winter.

“Those investments are going to be made here in DPW for things like streets, sidewalks, and storm drains to make sure we protect the physical assets in our city,” Smiley said.

The city has already been working to prepare residents for the upcoming weather and what to do if a problem arises.

“We have been hosting exercises like this since September to make sure everyone have their skills sharpened and are ready to go,” Smiley said. “Our plow drivers have practiced their assigned routes, they have been learning about proper salt usage, learning how to react if they run into problems on the road, making sure that our trucks are in gear and ready for the season ahead.”