Challenge
When record-breaking snowfall hit the Atlanta metro area, municipalities across the region were caught off guard. For communities like Peachtree, Georgia, where snow is rarely more than a dusting, the scale and severity of this storm were unprecedented. Roads iced over, walkways became hazardous, and public safety was at risk. Like many cities in the South, Peachtree did not have the necessary equipment, products, or plans in place to deal with such extreme winter conditions. With the safety of residents hanging in the balance, city officials needed a fast and effective solution.
The Central Difference Solution
In a moment of urgency, Peachtree’s public works department placed a call to their local Central representative. Within hours, Central mobilized. The team located ice melt inventory from a branch outside the region and coordinated overnight shipment directly to Peachtree. In addition, Central provided access to specialized snow and ice equipment, from salt spreaders to skid steers, which the city was able to borrow and deploy immediately. Central’s local team also offered guidance on application techniques and material coverage, ensuring crews used the product efficiently across priority areas.
Results
While other southern counties scrambled, some even resorting to spreading sand by hand or using lawn tractors for snow removal, Peachtree was prepared. Thanks to Central’s rapid response and deep network of branches and equipment, key roads, intersections, and public areas were treated properly and quickly. As a result, the city was able to maintain emergency response access, reduce accidents, and protect public safety during an event that could have had devastating consequences. What began as a crisis became a case study in preparedness—driven by the strength of partnership, logistical expertise, and the ability to act fast when it mattered most.