CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. — Local road crews are gearing up for winter by testing equipment and finalizing strategies for dealing with snow and ice.

In Prince George’s County, more than 400 employees launched a “dry run” Friday morning.

“It ensures that we’re ready,” says Carol Terry, spokesperson for the county’s Department of Public Works and Transportation. “We’re going through the same routine that we would on a normal snow event.”

County officials opened up a command center and sent out 150 pieces of road equipment.

“We assess and evaluate all our emergency procedures and plans,” Terry says. “We make sure the plows are all on, our trucks are out and our drivers are going to familiarize themselves with the routes.”

The county has 30,000 tons of salt at the ready for slippery roads.

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