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Fayetteville Gears Up for Snow

By: Cassidy Hodges

Updated: December 26, 2012

The Fayetteville Police Department is gearing up for the first taste of winter, starting with snow tires, so they can help drivers Wednesday when the storm hits.

"We're preparing for any type of inclement weather," says Ellliot Luebker, a Corporal with the Fayetteville PD.

As the first winter storm of the season heads our way, the Fayetteville Police Department is gearing up for slick streets.

"It makes it very difficult especially here in Fayetteville. We live in a city that has a lot of hills, ups and downs and stop and go traffic, The most common thing we do is we change out the rear tires on all of our patrol vehicles and we put a snow tire on them."

But even with the snow gear, icy conditions can put a strain on the police department.

"People in general like to get out and see the snow. It's pretty. Unfortunately, it leads to a lot of accidents and it does make it harder on the police department to respond to emergency calls as well as vehicle accidents," says Luebker.

So law enforcement is reminding folks a few driving tips for icy roads.

"Plan their routes, and to anticipate any stop and go's. Be cautious of the traveling distance between you and the vehicle in front of you."

But before you go, make a little emergency kit, take a few blankets, a bottle of water, and some food with you just in case.

Also, don't forget to keep your cell phone charged and your gas tank full.

"You really don't know, you don't know what could happen, you don't know how long you might be stuck on the side of the roadway. It's always better to be safe than sorry."

And Tuesday, if the snow hits, patrol officers will be driving through roads treated with beet juice.

The Fayetteville Transportation Division is now using a new solution for getting rid of snow.

Tomorrow will be the first time the city has used the beet juice mixture to replace traditional brine and it's organic. So that's good news for the environment!

But if you notice anything sticking to your car, the beet juice is a little bit more sticky than brine, but it will wash right off.