There's this old joke of somebody calling a TV weather reporter and saying, "I just shoveled a foot of 'partly cloudy' off my driveway."

Well, it's no joke that the New Year's winter storm walloped Natrona County with 12 inches to 24 inches of snow -- not counting drifting -- depending where you are.

Which leaves us having to dig out from it all, and knowing how to drive with it.

The Casper Fire-EMS Department offers these tips for drivers and diggers:

FOR DRIVERS:

  • Calm down. If you go out, plan your trip, even within the city, and give yourself extra time. Drive slowly.
  • Think about your route from your home to your destination and return trips.
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  • Don't do it even if your pickup has a high lift. You will become high-centered and stuck.
  • The windrows may require you to take a different route until the turning lanes are cleared. Again, plan your trip.
  • City crews will plow arterial and feeder streets first. Residential streets may not be cleared for several days, if at all. Drive carefully, especially if you need to drive uphill.
  • Ice will form under the snow.
  • If at all possible, avoid traveling until Wednesday or Thursday to let the city plowing crews to work more efficiently.
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    FOR DIGGERS:

    • Take care of yourself as you take care of your home and family.
    • Do NOT move snow from sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots over fire hydrants. If a hydrant is buried from snow removal or drifting, you can help the city by digging out the hydrant - a yard in all directions.
    • Stay hydrated.
    • Dress warmly in layers. Adjust outerwear as the temperature fluctuates.
    • Take frequent breaks.
    • Make sure that your body is capable of shoveling snow - if you're not sure, ask your doctor for advice.
    • Operate all machinery according to the owner's manual.
    • Consider high-visibility clothing or accessories when shoveling near traffic, snow removal equipment, and traffic.

    If you have questions, message us at cityofcasperfireems@gmail.com, or call Casper Fire-EMS at (307) 235-8222.

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