MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and Department of Transportation said it's too early to tell what next week will look like. But, they say they are ready to respond.
"There's things that people may not even recognize. Because in this type of event, it's really all hands on deck." said Lt. Jeremy Burkett with ALEA.
Whether it's pre-treating roads or patrolling the highways, Lt. Burkett said everyone has a part to play in winter weather. While the radars continue changing, he said ALEA is in constant contact with other agencies.
"We just got done with a winter event. Right? So, we've really, simply just continued those relationships. We're doing the calls. We're making the preparations. One of those relationships is with the Alabama Department of Transportation. Savannah Taunton with ALDOT said they are also watching the weather closely."
"Right now, we're actively monitoring that weather system," said Taunton. "And preparing our equipment accordingly. So, we'll probably begin some pretreatment early next week through the region and the state, and we'll treat those state and federal roads based on traffic volumes."
These agencies aren't the only ones making preparations. James Cole, executive vice president of Cole Plumbing, Inc. in Montgomery, has been in the plumbing business since 1977. He said cold temperatures wreak as much havoc on plumbing systems as do hot temperatures.
"Be sure and disconnect your hoses from the faucets. Cover your faucets up. Leave your cabinet doors open, where it can get some heat underneath the cabinets. And also, drip your faucets or run a small stream. It's cheaper to pay the water bill than it is to have to fix the plumbing," he said.
Snow or no snow, Lt. Burkett said to make sure you are ready for cold temperatures.
"Maybe you have to go to work. Whatever it is, please make sure that you have a cell phone with you," said Burkett. "That you have some way to communicate back so if you get in a situation to where you need emergency services, whether it be law enforcement, medical services. Whatever type of first responder you need. You can call 9-1-1.
When they see those cold temperatures, Lt. Burkett said time matters most. Especially in being able to respond and help those in need.