Snow man
As Wellington County faces a more traditional winter, replete with bus and event cancellations, outdoor workers and their good deeds came to mind.
Yes, it’s their job, but it never hurts to say thanks and recognize those who battle the weather on behalf of the public.
The ominous new warning system for weather conditions came up yellow for a tremendous swath of southern Ontario on Tuesday. This cautionary denotation caused many bus routes to heed the warning by giving kids yet another day off.
The public sector and private contractors charged with keeping roads safe and clear as possible would begin planning Tuesday morning for eventualities in the afternoon and overnight. Last minute maintenance, checks on salt and sand stores are all meant to ensure efficient service delivery for commuters and business traffic. A good plan also cuts down on stress.
What stress you might ask? People, politicians and toxic reactions to weather events beyond an individual’s control are a good start.
Even when equipment is running well, these workers must be mindful of their surroundings.
The passing motorist, drivers following too close, pedestrians deciding a blustery day is an awesome time to go for a walk – all of these make battling adverse weather all the harder. There’s a lot going on in the cabs of snow removal equipment.
The sheer volume of snow, particularly in subdivisions with narrow frontages or lanes where winds cause drifting will generate social media postings about blocked entrances. News flash: we live in Canada and on occasion volumes will make for extra work for homeowners. To hear some complainers, plow drivers spend their off hours plotting how to make life as difficult as possible for homeowners. It is ridiculous of course, but that doesn’t stop the jesting and ribbing online.
Speaking of which, how about the poor guy or gal in the garbage and recycling trucks. In a perfect world such an important service would take place without inconveniences – ever – but on those occasions where weather makes the task impossible and county facilities accepting said waste are closed, jumping on these workers is unfair. Add to that the elected class (who wouldn’t last collecting a single street let alone a neighbourhood) moaning about service levels during snow events on behalf of irate taxpayers – give us and them a break. Unfortunately, few are able to walk in others’ shoes and maintain perspective.
Within the confines of a weather event, we also have a shout-out for emergency services people. The fire service, police and ambulance personnel are often called to a higher purpose when weather is poor. It is these occasions where the long arm of the law, or burly firefighters provide the comfort and support at car accidents. Half froze and half-winded from the elements, these are the men and women that rescue those in need. Think about that – and the ambulance people who transport the critically injured. All of these things happen, without fail, while many of us rest comfortably in the warm confines of our homes.
Tack on utility personnel when much needed hydro has failed and neighbourhoods have gone dark. The public is incredibly dependent on its utilities for heat and comfort. In the worst of conditions, these workers ensure a quick return to service despite very trying conditions.
With luck, this storm will not be as bad as predicted, but rest assured, the people who provide critical services will be prepared. Their professionalism and dedication are admirable.
Make a point of saying thanks.