Now that winter is upon us, it is important for people to know how to stay safe on the roads. Local municipalities maintain most of the roads after and sometimes during snowfall. In an interview with the Advertiser, Scott Peiffer addressed the topic of snow removal. Now manager of the Quarryville Borough, Peiffer used to drive a snowplow, so he knows firsthand what it's like to make sure the roads are cared for properly.

Advertiser: How many miles of road does the borough have to cover during the winter season?

Peiffer: We actually have more than nine miles of roadway. We have a lot of PennDOT roads that we are not responsible for.

Advertiser: How do you determine the order and priority of plowing the roads?

Peiffer: We typically have three drivers, and they each have a route, so we kind of do a frontal attack on the whole thing. So, the priorities for each person's route is the busiest street.

Advertiser: What happens if a car is blocking the snowplow?

Peiffer: The snowplow will go around it, but we always tell people that the benefits are if you get your car out of the street that we can plow to the curb line and we basically plowed your parking spot open for you.

Advertiser: Do you have any tips or rules for keeping sidewalks clear for residents of the borough?

Peiffer: We have a sidewalk ordinance that says residents must clear the snow and ice from their sidewalk within 24 hours after the snow stops falling, and it is illegal to throw that snow back out on the street as well as on or against a fire hydrant. Think of a mail carrier walking your sidewalk every day, think about deliveries from UPS or FedEx.

Advertiser: Do you know about how much salt on average the borough goes through in a winter season?

Peiffer: In the winter, probably between probably eight to 10 tons. It's tricky because you're trying to guess what the weather is going to do. A plan evolves as it's happening, so to speak.

Advertiser: What would you say is the most valuable advice you could give township residents when it comes to staying safe on the roads during a snowstorm?

Peiffer: It's just best not to drive unless you absolutely have to. Obviously, people have to go to work and things like that. I understand that, but for some, walking is much easier and safer.

Advertiser: If people want more information, whom should they contact?

Peiffer: I put up a post on our website where people can look up the ordinance if they want and see my summary of it.

The Quarryville Municipal Building is located at 300 St. Catherine St., Quarryville. For more information, visit https://quarryvilleborough.com, call 717-786-2404, or email office@quarryvilleborough.com.