Kudos for road crews

When the National Weather Service issued the first in a series of freezing rain advisories Dec. 4, we began to worry. Just two weeks earlier a freezing rainstorm that blew through the Valley had tangled traffic for much of that day.

Our worries multiplied last week when we noticed the forecast included not just a few hours, but several days of freezing rain.

Concern over possible dangerous road conditions prompted the Mat-Su Borough School District to call off classes Dec. 5. Mat-Su Borough offices, Mat-Su College and local bus companies closed early Thursday, too.

But driving around the Valley for the past few days was a pleasant surprise. That this time there weren’t 300 drivers calling Alaska State Troopers for help is a reflection on the timely response to the storm by road service areas, borough and state road maintenance crews.

This was some serious winter weather, the kind that would have shut down travel for days in areas where road crews are less skilled with blades and sand trucks.

We regularly use this space to laud the work done by law enforcement and emergency services crews. But it’s been far too long since we last donated paper and ink to thank the men and women who work crazy hours throughout Alaska’s long winter keeping our roadways as safe as possible.

This is cold, difficult work that requires long shifts away from family and other comforts of home, such as sleep and hot meals. And it’s one of those crucial roles we tend to take for granted.

Sure, we prepare for winter. We put studded snow tires on our vehicles, keep our headlights clean and leave extra space between vehicles to accommodate increased stopping distances.

But none of those are the reason we are still able to get around after days of freezing rain. Credit is due the road maintenance crews who’ve laid down tons of sand in the past two weeks to keep Valley life rolling along.

Events like this also are good reminders of how swiftly winter weather conditions can turn dangerous. Are you prepared if you become stranded in your vehicle? What about at your house? Do you have the necessary food, water and other emergency supplies to survive for a few days if you can’t reach a store?

Now, between storm systems, is a good time to check your personal supplies of food, fuel, medications, first aid kits and batteries for equipment such as flashlights and radios at your home or office.

Drivers also are advised to prepare by adding a blanket, flashlight, extra gloves and hat, and a shovel to the contents of their vehicles in preparation for the next emergency.

And if you aren’t the sort who already has a ready bag packed for every possible emergency, maybe consider adding a pre-made kit to your Christmas wish list. It’s a good investment in keeping your family safe year-round.

Road condition resources

In the event of hazardous road conditions, here are some useful resources to report hazards or get updated weather information before beginning a trip.

• Mat-Su Borough roads hotline — 745-9826.

• State roads hotline — 745-2159.

• State road information online — 511.alaska.gov.