No matter how many years you’ve been in this line of work, one thing remains true: the road will always find a way to surprise you. One day everything’s running smooth; the next, a plow’s buried to its axles in a snowbank, a backhoe is on its side in a ditch, or your only salt spreader decides it’s the perfect moment to quit.
When the unexpected hits, how ready are you to respond?
Think Through the “What Ifs”
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, patching potholes, clearing culverts, mowing shoulders, and assume things will keep rolling along. But take a few minutes and ask yourself:
- If a snowplow gets stuck in the middle of a storm, do you have a backup plan? Who can you call for help?
- If a piece of equipment rolls over, do your crew members know the proper steps to take? Do you have the right recovery gear?
- If a vital machine breaks down on a Saturday night, can you get it fixed or bring in a replacement quickly?
Build Some Cushion Into Your Resources
No highway department has unlimited budgets – we get it. But there are ways to build resilience:
- Mutual aid agreements: Neighboring towns can be lifesavers when your own equipment is down.
- Equipment sharing: Having a network where you can borrow or rent machinery on short notice can keep things moving.
- Training: Make sure your team knows what to do in a rollover or equipment failure. Practice recovery scenarios now, not during an emergency.
- Stock up: Keep a supply of critical parts and maintenance tools on hand. The part you didn’t think you’d need will be the one that breaks.
Stay Ahead of the Surprises
You can’t plan for every curveball the road throws your way, but having a solid response plan can turn a disaster into just another bump in the road.
So take a fresh look at your readiness. Think through the “what ifs.” Check your mutual aid contacts. Train your crew. A little preparation now can save you a whole lot of scrambling later.
Because when the unexpected happens – and it will – the goal is to be ready, not caught off guard.