On this episode were going to showcase the work of a couple of innovative maintenance professionals long time friend and listener, Philip Anderle turned me on to at the last APWA Western Snow and Ice Conference. These two guys created a winter app for smart phones and tablets that makes gathering storm response data from the crews much easer and checks it for accuracy before it gets input into the Cities asset management system.

District Supervisor Corey Rivera and equipment operator and Inspector Zach Mackey aren’t computer nerds, just a couple guys who plow snow and had an idea to make their paperwork process faster, easier, and better for themselves and others in the paperwork chain. With access to some common computer software, and a little computer savvy they’ve put together an amazing tool to make life a little simpler and a whole lot easer.

You can reach out to Corey at Corey.Rivera@coloradosprings.gov to learn more about their creation. In the mean time listen in as Corey and Zach are Talkin' Winter Ops.

Sign up for email notifications on future episodes and other communications associated with winter maintenance and winter weather management by clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.com

Thanks for listening in and stay safe out there!

Born out of a desire to improve winter operations across state lines the Interstate 80 Corridor Coalition has grown into the second longest corridor coalition extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Likewise, the operational focus has also grown beyond winter operations to leverage coordination in the areas of traveler information, freight and economic efficiency, and smarter technology deployment all to benefit the motorists using this facility.

This episode features one of the movers and shakers making this corridor coalition a reality, Tracy Larkin-Thomason, Director of the Nevada Department of Transportation. Tracy talked about the beginnings and growth of the coalition as well as its importance to other interstate corridors across the nation.

Sign up for email notifications on future episodes and other communications associated with winter maintenance and winter weather management by clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.com

Thanks for listening in and stay safe out there!

While it's important to have stockpiles full, equipment repaired and ready, and staff training and assignments set, it's important to have your home weather ready as well. After all, when you're out there battling the weather, there's peace of mind knowing that your own home and family are safe and sound. On this episode we're Talkin' Winter Ops with Jake Sorber, Research Project Scientist with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Jake highlights the work of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in helping homeowners prepare for winter weather and take proactive steps to reduce risks and avoid costly repairs.

For additional ways to protect your home from harsh winter conditions, you can find a full checklist at ibhs.org/winter-ready/ to help you get started.

Sign up for email notifications on future episodes and other communications associated with winter maintenance and winter weather management by clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.com

Thanks for listening in and stay safe out there!