South Jersey plow drivers ready for first snowfall of the season
The first snow of the year is expected to hit southern New Jersey early Monday morning.
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Plow driver in Southern New Jersey said they are ready to tackle the first snowfall of the season on Monday, which forecasters say is expected to be the most significant in southern New Jersey in years.
It’s been a few seasons since Philip Schena and his snow removal team at Premier Property Management Services in Bayville have geared up for a winter storm.
“It's just a matter of taking your time,” Schena said. “You're always under the gun. You’ve just got to take your time, know that the operations are going to get done, and just be comfortable with the equipment that you're using.”
As of Sunday night, the snow is not projected to be anywhere near the biggest snowfall they’ve had to handle. The team, however, is grateful for any snow-related business it can get. Milder winters mean less demand, but the cost of insurance always seems to snowball.
“We need to pay the money up front, whether we get snow or not,” Schena said. “In some cases, it's between $5,000 to $10,000 per plow.”
The team has adjusted with the seasonal trends by ordering less salt. So far, they’ve only gone through about 3 tons this year. In previous winters, they’ve gone through dozens more.
When a driver sees the strobe lights of a snowplow on the road, Schena says the best thing they can do is offer some breathing room.
“If there's any way possible, don't go out, stay home,” Schena said. “Get your stuff before the snow, let the professionals out there clear the roads. We’ll get it open for you, wait another day.”
