Following last year’s relentless winter weather, the Essex Public Works Department is thinking about the white stuff early this year and getting the word out about proper storm protocol for residents, before the storms hit.

Although temperatures are currently warmer than normal and snow isn’t in the near future forecast, Essex Public Works is ready for action and wants the town residents to be, too.

“It’s our job to keep the town safe during storms, keep the roads clear and passable, and minimize slippery conditions,” said Essex Public Works Director Dave Caroline. “We are in New England and as we all know, the weather can change at any time, so we want everyone to be prepared.”

To combat the wintry conditions, there are some new vehicles in the Essex fleet this year: a new 10-foot plow truck, as well as a new Ford 550 work truck. Both trucks are replacing much older ones and will be rounding out the 10-vehicle town fleet.

“We have to make sure the plows and trucks are ready at any time. That’s our job and we do it well,” said Caroline, who has seen the town through more than two decades of winter storms, but said that last year’s snowy winter was one of the worst he ever experienced.

When storms approach, Caroline asks residents to remember that snow plows are designed to move snow from the roadway to the edge of the road. It is likely that the plow will leave behind a windrow of snow in front of driveways. Residents are responsible for removing this snow.

Caroline suggests waiting until the plow has done at least two passes before clearing the end of the driveway.

Unfortunately, mailboxes tend to be an inevitable snow removal casualty. Residents are advised that mailboxes should be securely fastened to a sturdy post, which is sufficiently anchored in the ground, to resist the impact of plowed snows.

If a mailbox or post happens to get pushed over or damaged as a result of snow or slush coming off a snowplow, it is considered a winter hazard. The town will not replace the mailbox or post.

If it is determined a mailbox is struck by a town snow plow, not the snow coming off the plow, the town will reimburse the owner for a basic support post and a basic mailbox up to $75. Payment will not include costs other than materials and will not cover the cost of decorative wood or metal posts or decorative mailboxes.

Residents are responsible for keeping their mailboxes clear for mail to be delivered.

Residential trash cans and recycling bins are often among winter casualties and should not be placed in the road, says the Town of Essex. If a plow truck hits them because they are in the road, the town will not be held responsible for replacing them.

In addition, any and all plantings, fences, walls, invisible dog fence lines, or sprinkler heads within the town’s right of way are not the town’s responsibility, if they are damaged during snow plowing or any other kind of removal of snow from roads.

The Essex Public Works Department stated in a press release, “It is the primary goal of the Public Works Department to make the town roads passable during storm events, minimize the hazards caused by slippery road conditions, and help restore safe traveling conditions throughout the town as soon as possible after each winter storm. This often involves drivers working long hours in hazardous driving conditions to ensure our safety on the roadways. We ask for your cooperation and patience during these times in order to have a safe season for all.”

Questions and concerns during snow and ice storms can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 860-767-0715.