Northern Arizona is dealing with one of the snowiest Januarys on record.
Winter weather created picturesque landscapes everywhere, but snow and ice prevented several vital services from being delivered to one unincorporated community.
ABC15
It made headlines on social media when the West Valley got less winter rain for a while. One posted a photo of his frozen front glass while writing “Mesa, Arizona” in the frost.
Less than two hours down I-17 in the cabin community of Munds Park, residents like Michael Kettle think snow has become more of a chore these days.
He ran to the cabin from the valley on Tuesday, shoveling heavy snow from the roof and deck.
County utility crews had to clear the highways to allow access for emergency vehicles. Plough created berms along the driveways of homes that either needed to be shoveled frequently or left areas inaccessible to the main road.
Once in town, Michael says he was given a few days before the propane company showed up.
“A lot of people ran out when they needed it. We don’t have heating in the house,” Michael said.
Many homes in Munds Park are heated with propane.
For some, it’s how to use appliances or take a hot shower, but the icy, narrow roads of unincorporated communities pose a challenge for some propane providers looking to deliver.
“It got pretty scary,” said Brian Padgett.
Brian’s 74-year-old mother lives in Manns full-time.
Until recently, he said, she had not refilled her propane for the better part of a month. At night the temperature dropped to the teens and there was no heat inside.
“She called me every day in tears. rice field.
Spokesperson for a top propane company in Mundspark, americus told ABC15.Weather conditions resulting in heavy snow and icy road conditions may delay the completion of propane delivery. We are doing our best to be close to our customers.”
They provided the following tips and links for all customers dealing with delays.
- Make sure the driveway remains plowed and is wider than the large delivery vehicle
- Keep driveways and propane equipment clear of snow and ice, and mark the location of underground propane tanks. We recommend a 10ft wide path for the bobtail to deliver.
- Save energy whenever possible.
- To order propane on demand, order online when tank is 40% full
Munds Park’s unspoken rule is to be a good neighbor.
As word spread about Brian’s mom, people who had a home listed for short-term rentals nearby opened doors for her.
Community leaders told ABC15 that dozens of people who own rental cabins allowed others to stay there until Manns Park looked nothing like Winter Park.
“What they did for my mother is invaluable,” Brian said.
Many Munds Park residents use automated delivery services that help notify providers when a tank reaches a certain level.
A Munds Park resident pointed to a promise on the AmeriGas website.
“Peace of mind,” the company says, under the question, “What do you get with automated delivery?”
They explain that automatic propane supplies use a “sophisticated system” to estimate tank percentages based on equipment and weather. Best of all, this service is FREE!” describes the company on its website.
A community leader on Munds Park’s social media pages wrote to ABC15:
