The CLog
The Creative Loafing staff is working from home today, and we thought we could bring you some tips on what's going on around the city from a press conference held at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center this morning at 11 a.m. The following are just some highlights from the presser, that may help with some questions you have about how the winter weather has affected local government departments and what they're doing to fix it.
– According to the Charlotte Transportation Director, there are 36 salt trucks (with plows if needed) currently spreading brine and salt around the streets of Charlotte on 12-hour shifts.
– City Manager Ron Carlee encouraged all residents to check schedules if they've made plans. We're not sure what this means, but we always think you should do this, whether it's snowing or not. If you're schedule is empty, check out our event listings, call a friend and make plans. Just probably not today.
– Solid Waste Services will be suspending all trash collection until Monday. They will then be operating on a one-day delay for all of next week. Thursday and Friday customers will be collected on Monday, and all customers will have their trash picked up on a one-day delay for the remainder of next week. (For example, if your trash is usually picked up on Tuesday, it will be picked up on Wednesday.)
– There are several updates to CATS-related schedules throughout the city, so officials ask that you visit the CATS website and check the inclement weather alerts throughout the day. You can also call 704-336-RIDE.
– Charlotte Department of Transportation asked that residents only drive if it is absolutely necessary, but if you do find yourself in a situation that you have turned from a resident to a motorist, officials ask that all motorists keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially those treating the roads.
– CMPD officials said "Great job so far." Thank you, CMPD. Mecklenburg EMS, better known as Medic, said that at the time of the press conference, there had been 110 calls for service. Officials urged folks to check on nearby elderly and disabled people.
– Duke Energy asked that if your power goes off, call 1-800-POWERON. Then stare anxiously at your cellphone's battery level and wonder what on Earth you'll do when it dies. (OK, we added that last part)
– Charlotte Fire Department said to be aware of danger around trees and power lines due to ice build-up.
This press conference was "covered" by your trusty CL staff through Twitter. Specifically, by yanking the above suggestions straight off the @CLTgov Twitter feed. For those not concerned with all this bureaucracy, I can tell you some other breaking news of more import. This heroic reporter has visited two ABC Stores today and both said they will be open at 1 p.m. I cannot speak for all ABC Stores, but there seems to be a pattern emerging. Creative Loafing: on your side. Stay safe out there.
– According to the Charlotte Transportation Director, there are 36 salt trucks (with plows if needed) currently spreading brine and salt around the streets of Charlotte on 12-hour shifts.
– City Manager Ron Carlee encouraged all residents to check schedules if they've made plans. We're not sure what this means, but we always think you should do this, whether it's snowing or not. If you're schedule is empty, check out our event listings, call a friend and make plans. Just probably not today.
– Solid Waste Services will be suspending all trash collection until Monday. They will then be operating on a one-day delay for all of next week. Thursday and Friday customers will be collected on Monday, and all customers will have their trash picked up on a one-day delay for the remainder of next week. (For example, if your trash is usually picked up on Tuesday, it will be picked up on Wednesday.)
– There are several updates to CATS-related schedules throughout the city, so officials ask that you visit the CATS website and check the inclement weather alerts throughout the day. You can also call 704-336-RIDE.
– Charlotte Department of Transportation asked that residents only drive if it is absolutely necessary, but if you do find yourself in a situation that you have turned from a resident to a motorist, officials ask that all motorists keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially those treating the roads.
– CMPD officials said "Great job so far." Thank you, CMPD. Mecklenburg EMS, better known as Medic, said that at the time of the press conference, there had been 110 calls for service. Officials urged folks to check on nearby elderly and disabled people.
– Duke Energy asked that if your power goes off, call 1-800-POWERON. Then stare anxiously at your cellphone's battery level and wonder what on Earth you'll do when it dies. (OK, we added that last part)
– Charlotte Fire Department said to be aware of danger around trees and power lines due to ice build-up.
This press conference was "covered" by your trusty CL staff through Twitter. Specifically, by yanking the above suggestions straight off the @CLTgov Twitter feed. For those not concerned with all this bureaucracy, I can tell you some other breaking news of more import. This heroic reporter has visited two ABC Stores today and both said they will be open at 1 p.m. I cannot speak for all ABC Stores, but there seems to be a pattern emerging. Creative Loafing: on your side. Stay safe out there.
