Get There - Pr. George's deploys road crews

As the first flakes begin to fall in Prince George's County, officials plan to deploy hundreds of trucks to clear the roadways, and the county government has instituted a "liberal leave" policy, allowing some non-essential government workers to go home early, officials said.

Starting at 1 p.m., nearly 300 vehicles at a time will begin working in 12-hour shifts, round-the-clock, "to keep more than 1,821 miles (5,000-plus lane miles) of county-maintained roadways clear of snow and ice to ensure the safety of residents, citizens, and others traveling through the county," according to a statement from the county's Department of Public Works and Transportation....

Officials encouraged motorists to avoid driving if possible. They said primary roads would be serviced first, followed by secondary and residential streets. Officials also reminded residents and business owners to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice, as well as nearby fire hydrants, if possible.