WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- “Salt before snow” is a concept West Hartford is following to avoid bigger messes during storms.

The town’s Department of Public Works crews said it’s their mission to spread a salt mixture over the 240 miles of roads in town before a storm hits. They said it usually happens about two hours before snow is expected to hit.

West Hartford Treats Roads Before Storms

“If we get 3 inches and this is already on the road, and the snow hits the salt and it starts, what it does it prevents the snow from bonding to the road,” said Brian Lavoie, who's in charge of street and traffic safety for the West Hartford DPW.

The mixture includes salt and magnesium chloride, Lavoie said, which helps melt the snow faster. The green color of it is caused by a dye, he said.

He said the salt acts as a barrier between the snow and the pavement, lessening the number of slick, icy patches.

The early storm preparation isn’t used in most towns, Lavoie said, but the beauty is that crews use less material and spend less time clearing the roads.