What action should be prioritized following a storm?

Following a storm, inspecting roads should be prioritized as it directly relates to public safety and accessibility. After severe weather events, roads may suffer from hazards such as flooding, debris, potholes, or structural damage that can endanger drivers and pedestrians. By thoroughly inspecting the roads, public works managers can identify and address these dangers quickly, ensuring safe passage and minimizing potential accidents.

Moreover, ensuring roads are safe promotes efficient emergency response and recovery efforts. The quicker and more effectively the condition of the roads is assessed, the sooner any necessary repairs can be made, and the community can return to normal operations. This proactive approach is vital in maintaining infrastructure integrity and public safety after a storm.

While purchasing new equipment, conducting weather forecasts, or performing regular maintenance checks are also important, they are not as urgent immediately following a storm as assessing road conditions. The primary concern in this context is immediate safety and response, which hinges on the status of the roads.