While much of Texas is set to get hit with frigid weather beginning Dec. 22, the city of Fort Worth roads crews say they are ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store.

City crews begin training for severe winter weather in October by inspecting equipment and practicing proper sanding techniques used with their spreader machines. These machines spread a mixture of sand and salt on roadways to help vehicles travel safer during icy driving conditions. Sand and salt are combined because the sand provides traction while the salt keeps the sand from freezing.

According to officials, the city has more than 3,000 tons of mixture—90% sand and 10% salt—that can be spread on roadways in a preassigned pattern. The sand-salt mixture is stored at locations throughout Fort Worth, so crews can quickly access it as a storm moves in. Crews also prepare and apply a brine mixture to bridges no more than 48 hours ahead of forecast winter precipitation. The brine acts as an anti-icing agent on bridges.

“Preparation is key for our staff to be able to quickly and efficiently manage any winter weather within the city of Fort Worth,” said Lauren Prieur, interim director of the Fort Worth Transportation & Public Works Department. “We are proud of the work put into preparation and the recognition our team has received by the American Public Works Association as a model program for other cities.”

Temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits beginning Dec. 22 and remain below freezing for 48 hours.