City of Sanford crews once again mobilized across departments to prepare for and respond to hazardous conditions — working around the clock to keep roads passable, services operating, and residents safe during Winter Storm Gianna.
Unlike Winter Storm Fern, Gianna brought more than five inches of snow to our area. Crews from across departments were deployed to plow and treat City streets starting Saturday and lasting through Tuesday, with pretreatment starting on Friday.
In that timeframe, the City replaced 24 plow blades and spread 32 tons of salt, 64 tons of sand, and 1 ton of ice melt on City roadways and sidewalks.
Sanford’s first responders remained prepared throughout the weather event. The Sanford Fire Department increased staffing for each apparatus, and prepared apparatus with chains as necessary to traverse the snow. Firefighters responded to 10 calls during the storm. No injuries were reported from these incidents.
The Sanford Police Department maintained patrol coverage throughout the storm, monitoring road conditions, assisting motorists, and responding to storm-related incidents. Officers coordinated closely with the City’s storm response personnel to address hazardous areas and support emergency response efforts.
Public Works deployed its Transportation, Facilities, Waste Services, Parks, and Grounds departments. TriRiver Water provided equipment as needed. The Sanford Fire Department up-staffed to 21 employees across four stations throughout the storm.
"I want to thank our dedicated employees for their tireless efforts during these storms,” said City Manager Hal Hegwer. “Their hard work helps keep our city moving and our community supported.”
Hegwer also expressed gratitude to residents for following guidance to avoid unnecessary travel. “Staying off the roads allowed our team to respond effectively and safely to these back-to-back extreme events,” he said.