All through the year since the last snow the Town of Herndon has been preparing for the coming year of snow removal. Plows and trucks are repaired, parts ordered, salt and other chemicals are stockpiled and operators trained.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions and some hints on what residents can do to help the Town provide you with a cleaner, safer street.

• How can I make a difference during snow removal?

When snow is forecast do not park on side streets or cul-de-sacs. Side streets and cul-de-sacs are difficult to plow with cars parked on them. A plow driver can clear an empty street in less than half the time of one with cars parked on it.

Watch for the bright yellow trucks plowing the roads and give them plenty of room to work. When following plow trucks, keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the plow truck. Most trucks are equipped with spreaders that are designed to throw material out the back onto the pavement. A good rule is to stay at least three car lengths behind a snowplow for every 10 miles per hour you are traveling.

Avoid passing snowplows unless it is absolutely necessary and never cut in- between a caravan of plows clearing a multi-lane highway. It may slow traffic up a bit but it is the most effective way to clear a wide roadway.

Do not park or abandon your vehicle on snow emergency routes as it may be towed.

Please do not shovel, blow or push snow into roadways, sidewalks or around fire hydrants.

• How does the Town of Herndon decide which roads to clear first?

During snow storms all roads in Town that are classified as “Arterial or Collector” are cleared first to ensure the police, fire stations and medical facilities are accessible and to permit traffic to enter and leave the Town.

Who is responsible for cleaning my sidewalk?

Residents of the Town of Herndon are requested to clear the sidewalks adjacent to their property. The Town of Herndon does not remove snow from sidewalks unless it is associated with school access or critical road crossings.

• When is the best time to shovel my driveway?

it is best to shovel your driveway after a plow comes through. Snow plows are designed to push straight ahead or to the right. Once a driveway has been cleared it is very difficult for a snow plow to finish plowing without pushing some of the snow back into the driveway as they try to open the roadway as wide as possible. Despite all the winter jokes and complaints that snow plow drivers wait for you to clean your driveway so they can plow it shut again, we really try to prevent that from happening.

If you must shovel before a plow comes through, always shovel the apron of your driveway to the right as you face the street. The snow placed at the right of the driveway will not be pushed into the driveway when the plow comes through.

Each year Public Works receives calls requesting snow be removed from the end of driveways that the plows have pushed there. We regret this happens and we would like to come back but cannot.

• What treatment is applied to combat snow and ice?

The Town of Herndon uses different types of materials to combat snow and ice depending upon the temperatures and time of the storm(s). They are: salt, liquid calcium chloride, rock dust or solar salt.

Salt is most effective after snow has accumulated about an inch and the temperature is 20 degrees or higher. Under these conditions, salt and snow will mix, melting into a slush that can be plowed off the pavement. Below 20 degrees, salt is not effective, so abrasives are put down for traction, and liquid calcium chloride is used to melt the snow and ice.

The Town does not use sand on roads, but rather a similar product readily available from the local rock quarry called quarry or rock dust.

This material is more durable than sand and has more abrasive qualities. The town was recognized nationally several years ago for the use of rock dust.

During ice storms, straight rock dust may be applied until the falling precipitation has subsided, then salt is applied to speed up the melting process.

• Why would the Herndon plow trucks drive along with their plows up when it is snowing?

There are several reasons plow trucks are not always pushing snow. The trucks may be spreading salt and abrasives or they may be out of salt and abrasives and headed back to the maintenance yard for a refill. They may be in route to their assigned area or even may be broken and on the way in for repairs. Be assured that once it snows Town of Herndon crews work around the clock until all roads are cleared. They are aided by Operations Staff that track snow removal progress on a map updated regularly through radio contact with plow drivers and other snow removal personnel.

• What should I do in a medical emergency if the roads have not been cleared?

Call 911 immediately. If they need help getting to you, they will work with the Town of Herndon to get the road cleared.

• Where do I call for information on road conditions in the Town of Herndon?

Call (703) 435-6860 for information on road conditions in Herndon. Once a snow storm starts the Town Shop Operations Center is manned continuously until all streets have been cleared and are in good condition.

If you have an emergency and the Shop Operations Center is not available, the Herndon Police Dispatchers are available to take your call 24 hours a day at (703) 435-6846.

For road conditions in other areas of the state call 1-800-367-ROAD. TTY users call 1-800-432-1843.