Albany officials reveal winter storm prep and response efforts

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Department of General Services Commissioner Sergio Panunzio called for a meeting on Sunday at 11 a.m. at Department of General Services Headquarters to discuss the City’s Winter Storm Preparation and Response efforts.

"Be prepared," Mayor Sheehan said. "Don't drive if you don't have to. Really be aware of the conditions. Even if we get on the low end of this storm, there could be times where it is snowing heavily."

Mayor Sheehan said between Sunday and the middle of the week of Jan. 20, those who live or work in Albany should take certain measures amid the winter storm.

 "Be aware of that drop in temperatures," Sheehan said. "When you have to get out and move some snow, the earlier the better it sounds because it is going to get cold."

A snow emergency has not been declared in Albany, but if the city is pushed to do so, Sheehan said it's important to stay on top of the conditions. You can visit the city website, call their phone number at (518) 434-2489, check their app, and social media pages.

"If a tree limb is down, if a road is blocked we want you to call us so we can address that issue right away," Sheehan said.

If you plan to park in the city, and there is a snow emergency, Sheehan said to follow the parking signs, and remember that Washington Park is another option for parking.

The commissioner for the Albany Department of General Services, Sergio Panunzio, said they prepared their equipment for this storm about 4 days ago.

"Our salt shed is fully full; we have 46 pieces of equipment that are going to be going out," Panuzio said. "Monday and Tuesday is going to be a severe decline in temperature, going sometimes between 9 degrees, which the wind chill factor is below zero. We ask people if you don't need to be on the road, don't be on the road, and plan ahead."