TOWNSHIP INFORMATION
PREPARE FOR WINTER DRIVING
Winter driving can be extremely hazardous , especially in Western Pennsylvania . With the drop in temperatures , you should always prepare for snow and ice on our roadways . Stay informed of fast changing weather patterns by signing up for local weather alerts to receive text messages and optional storm alerts for your area .
The first thing you should do is make sure your vehicle is ready for winter . A properly winterized vehicle will help make these months a little less challenging to navigate . A quick walk around your vehicle will tell you if you ’ re ready or not .
• Snow tires are always recommended as they have deeper , more flexible tread and are designed for snow covered roads . But , if you are using all-season tires , check the tread on your tires and replace if less than 2 / 32 of an inch .
• Check your wiper blades and replace if needed . Be sure to use winter rated washer fluid for temperatures as cold as -30 degrees .
• Check your vehicle lighting- headlights , brake lights , turn signals , etc .
• Check your cooling system and top off any other fluids .
Winter Driving Tips
• If heavy snow and ice are in the forecast wait out any storms if possible or leave yourself extra time for getting to your destination .
• Know your vehicle ’ s capabilities- traction control , anti-lock braking system , etc .
• Completely remove all snow and ice from your vehicle to include the windshield , headlights , taillights , mirrors , etc .
• It is also recommended to clean off any front or back cameras . These cameras allow assistive driving features like automatic braking systems to function properly .
• When driving , accelerate and decelerate slowly and avoid fast braking . Increase following distance between vehicles and avoid aggressive driving maneuvers .
• Always keep a minimum of a half tank of fuel in your vehicle .
Winter Driving Essentials
• A cellphone and charger
• Jumper Cables
• Blankets and extra clothing
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Shovel
Remember , the most important things any time of the year are to always Buckle Up , Use Child Safety Seats Properly , and Never Drink and Drive . haler TOWNSHIP OF SHALER NEWS
IT TAKES A FLEET OF EQUIPMENT TO SERVE SHALER TOWNSHIP
During the winter months we hear many comments about our snow removal efforts . There are also many social media posts asking about all the police vehicles responding to an emergency . Our fleet is second to none and we can respond to any emergency with the necessary equipment to handle the situation .
The Shaler Township Public Works fleet consists of :
• 6 Mack Dump Trucks
• 4 Ford F-750 Dump Trucks
• 7 Ford F-550 Dump Trucks
• 3 Ford F-350 Mechanical and Recreation Pick Up Trucks
• 4 Ford F-350 Auxiliary Snow Removal Trucks ( for larger Winter storms )
There is a total of 16 snow routes throughout the Township . Due to the topography and layout of some of the older areas of the Township , the smaller Ford F-550s are necessary to maneuver between tight turns and parked vehicles . When we activate for a snow call , all 16 trucks are placed on the road so that we can clear the roadways as quickly as possible . To compliment the above vehicles , we also have : 3 Backhoes 1 Front Loader 1 John Deere Heavy Brush Cutter 4 Skid Steers / Excavator 1 Forklift 7 Enclosed Trailers 2 Flat Bed Trailers The backhoes are necessary for construction jobs and the front loader is busy all winter season loading and pushing salt into the storage dome . The sanitary sewer crew has a total of four vehicles including a vactor truck that allows them to maintain catch basins and flush sanitary and storm lines , as well as a camera truck for line inspection . Public works supervisors also have 2 SUV ’ s that allow them to travel from job site to job site . That ’ s a total of 32 vehicles in the Public Works Department .
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All of this equipment is vital for the variety of tasks completed by the department throughout the year . The Shaler Township Police Department is served by : 7 Ford Explorer SUV – Patrol Vehicles 1 Ford F-150 Pick Up Truck – Patrol Vehicle 1 Dodge Durango 1 Ford Explorer for the School Resource Officer 1 Ford Explorer for the Chief of Police 1 Harley Davidson Motorcycle 2 Electronic Billboards for Road Closures / Event Notification 2 Fire Police Ford Explorers All of this rolling stock requires two full-time mechanics to maintain the fleet and a mechanics garage with two vehicle lifts . One has a lift capacity of 15,000lbs and one with a lift capacity of 68,000lbs . Our mechanics have their state inspection licenses and keep our stock rolling and safe for our employees . The Cost of 2021-2022 Winter Maintenance
Snow removal efforts do come at a cost to the Township . The following facts and figures summarize the 2021 / 22 winter season : # of Snow Calls ( after hours ): 23 # of Man Hours ( overtime ): 2119 # of Man Hours ( regular time ): 1398 Total Wages : $ 143,642.09 Tons of Salt : 8,664.41 Total Cost of Salt : $ 558,725.77 Gallons of Calcium Chloride : 4,300 Total Cost of Calcium Chloride : $ 5,719 Total Snow Removal Costs ( materials / labor ): $ 708,086.86 Millage to Property Tax : 11.8 % of Total Property Tax Revenues
The Township mobilizes 16 drivers for 16 snow routes . The call out protocol is based on several factors : notification from Shaler Township Police Department or on call foreman assessment of current or predicted road conditions . Many thanks to the public works crew for their dedication in working long hours to keep the roadways clear .