Orangeburg Prepares for Icy Roads: Officials Gear Up

Orangeburg County is getting ready for some chilly weather this week. Officials are already planning how to keep the roads safe. Billy Staley, the head of Orangeburg County Emergency Services, said that the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is helping out. They're working together to get the roads ready before the cold hits. “We might have some trouble on the roads, ” Staley warned. “So, SCDOT is treating the main roads in Orangeburg County right now. Our sand truck is also ready if we need it. ” Staley reminded drivers to be careful after the cold weather. “Just be cautious of black ice. It might melt a bit and then freeze again. So, drive safely and stay warm, ” he said. North Mayor Jeff Washington also wants his town to be ready. He even called a meeting with the police chief to talk about plans for snow, ice, and cold temperatures. “Back in 2000, we weren't ready for anything like this. I don’t want that to happen again, ” Washington said. He got thirty bags of ice melt just in case. A big road in the town is still closed after flooding in November. People are getting lost trying to find new ways around. The mayor plans to send out patrols to help drivers during the storm. “I don’t want people getting lost in the bad weather. That’s why we’ll have patrols showing them the way, ” Washington said.