A comprehensive snow plan was developed in November 2005 to perform seasonal winter maintenance on the Town's public ways. During the winter season, the department manages and dispatches salting and plowing operations. The severity of a storm dictates the response as to the number and type of vehicles to ensure motorist safety. Private hires assist municipal personnel. Main arteries, hills and critical care facilities are priorities. Secondary residential streets are then serviced. Please be patient during storms. Generally, three to four hours are required prior to getting into secondary streets. If a life-threatening medical emergency occurs contact the police or fire department. Their dispatch personnel will contact the Department of Public Works (DPW) for immediate dispatch of snow removal equipment.