Preparing for the storm: Roads closed, events canceled, and a record in electricity usage.
APCs at MDA stations, hundreds of snow plows and 4x4 vehicles, thousands of food rations, and high alert for the electric company as the country plans for a snow storm.
Feb 18, 2015, 01:42PM | Gal Cohen
Photo Credit: Channel 2 News/Yair Ozen
Security and rescue organizations, local authorities, and the electric company are preparing for the winter storm that is expected to hit the country tomorrow. Intense snow is expected throughout the north, and in the afternoon snow is expected to reach the center and is expected to pile up to dozens of centimeters in communities located 400 meters about sea level. The snow is expected to stick in a number of places in the Negev as well.
In Jerusalem, preparations are being completed for stormy weather and snow. The municipality will operate 230 snowplows, and other tools for clearing major roads, and dozens of 4x4s to provide aid to residents. The municipality is equipped with 400 tons of rock salt to melt the snow, and approximately 1,500 bags of salt to be distributed to community leaders, neighborhoods, and educational institutions throughout the city.
Photo Credit: Channel 2 News
Once the snow begins, changes in public transportation are expected, and the entrance to the city is expected to close. The city recommends residents of the city and visitors to leave or enter the city before 12:00 pm on Thursday. Regular updates can be received to mobile devices via the Jerusalem Municipality application. The municipality will conduct assessments regarding whether or not there will be school, and will announce the decision in the news and through other means.
The traffic division of the police are preparing additional forces to provide services and assistance to drivers during the storm. The police are requesting that citizens refrain from traveling on the roads and in areas where floods are expected, and recommends anyone who does not need to travel to stay off the roads.
Roads will be closed in a timely manner in order to maintain public safety and security. It is on drivers to prepare accordingly, and to expect Highway 1 and Route 443 to Jerusalem to be closed. Drivers must keep their headlights on, to drive slowly, to not make any sudden stops, and to keep distance from the vehicle in front of them. Additionally, drivers must concentrate on driving and avoid any distractions. Stops are only permitted at regulated stations. In the case of a vehicle malfunction on the road, drivers must pull over to the side away from the road, and call the police at 100.
The electric company is preparing for an overload of power consumption during the storm. The CEO of the company Elli Glickman ordered a state of alert that includes opening of the national operating headquarters of the company, in addition to the situation rooms that will be opened in districts across the country.
Photo Credit: Channel 2 News/Flash 90
Preparations also include reinforcement generators and off-road vehicles in remote and sensitive areas, worker mobility in Jerusalem and in the north, maximum staff in the contact service center, full alert of repair staff, as well as coordination and constant contact with local authorities.
The company guided the community in how to act in case of power outages: In case of broken power lines, or damage to electrical devices, the public must stay away and report immediately to the electric company by calling 103-the service center of the company, or the police at 100.
The company recommends that the public remains attentive, to strengthen objects and accessories that can break in the wind and damage power lines. Information about safety can be found on their website, Facebook page, or the company’s application.
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