Many agencies and businesses closed Tuesday, but local law enforcement officials said officers will be ensuring that essential workers such as medical personnel can be on duty.

Cullman Police Lt. Jeff Warnke advised that anyone who is not required to be at work to stay at home until weather conditions improve.

“The next time we get above freezing will be Wednesday afternoon, just a few degrees above,” Warnke said. “We don’t know how much clearing there will be until temperatures rise. We hope that anyone who does not need to be out will just stay home and not take chances.”

Police Chief Kenny Culpepper said road classifications were discussed with Cullman County Emergency Management Agency Director Phyllis Little during a conference Monday.

He said once a road or overpass causes sliding it will be deemed hazardous. If the road is categorized as impassable, motorists will need to avoid those areas altogether.

“The city obviously doesn’t have enough signs to place on every road that may become impassable, but once we know that we will work to get the word out. Companies also need to know the liability if there are widespread roads that impassable and become too dangerous for people to drive on,” he said.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) also warned that most insurance companies will not cover vehicles being driven on closed roads or roads that have been deemed impassable due to weather related hazards.

ALEA officials also advised:

• Monitor local news for information on weather conditions and travel advisories, and check road conditions (available at alea.gov under “News & Alerts.”
• Report traffic crashes or other emergencies by calling 911.
• Remain alert for emergency vehicles, and remember to obey Alabama’s “move over” law, which includes emergency vehicles.
• Keep vehicles in good operating condition. Check antifreeze levels and use windshield washer solution suitable for freezing weather conditions. Keep gas tanks at least half full.
• Remember weather and roadway conditions may quickly change. Adapt speeds to existing roadway conditions, and be alert to changing weather and the possibility of icy, slippery roads.
• Turn on headlights and windshield wipers, and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles during inclement weather.
• Pay particular attention to bridges and overpasses, which have a tendency to develop hazardous “black ice.”
• Keep blankets, first aid kit, charged cell phone and other emergency supplies in your vehicle.