GARDENDALE, Ala. (WIAT) -- The city of Gardendale is preparing for Friday’s wintry mix and officials are urging residents to stay off the roads if possible.
They have two sand trucks ready to roll and will be focusing on bridges and overpasses and making sure drivers can access UAB’s 24-hour emergency room.
Gardendale Fire and Rescue has three engine trucks with “spot chains.” The technology, which they rarely get to use, allows them to gain more traction when the roads turn slippery.
“They make a huge difference,” explained Lt. Shendarrius Perdue. “What they do is they drop down and they spin underneath.”
Gardendale Fire Chief Joe Thomas says they will stay in contact with public works for information about road conditions on Friday, they will also use smaller trucks to respond to medical calls. Mayor Stan Hogeland says if asked by Jefferson County EMA, they have the ability to open up the civic center. The fire chief says that’s a possibility in the event of a power outage.
All city offices in the city of Gardendale will be closed on Friday.