Tulsa - Winter will be here before you know it. And, that means the chance for ice and snow. But, with budget cuts, will crews be prepared to handle what Old Man Winter throws at them?

Today, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation said they have enough sand and salt to get through the first storm of winter.

"Oh yes, we're really good in that area this year," said ODOT Risk Manager Marty Stewart. "Fortunately, we had a real mild winter last year, so we were able to stockpile some of that and of course, we added on."

But, in tough economic times, could they handle several back to back storms?

"Yes," Stewart said. "This is a priority when it comes to removal of snow and ice. There's no budget issues. There will always be a full house of salt and sand."

There are 22 trucks and 44 drivers ready to work 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Several years ago, an ice storm hit Tulsa. What will the City do if it happens again?

"Keep in mind, if overwhelmed, we'll call on our state and our federal resources to come help us," says Roger Joliff, Deputy Director of the Emergency Operations Center. "So, our resources really go beyond our community here."

No one can predict how many winter storms will hit. But officials say the city, state and others have the equipment and manpower to get the job done when they finally get here.

This is also a good time to make sure your car is ready for winter. And, be better prepared for travel by taking along coats, blankets, bottled water and make sure your cell phone battery is fully charged.

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