While you're not advised to drive during a snow storm, if you do get stuck, you expect a towing company to help pull you out. But it's not that simple.
Towing businesses across the area are preparing for a very busy couple of days.
"You've got four lines ringing, you've got the radio going off, you've got the drivers waiting to get answers." Tom Grisham, owner of Grisham's 24 Hour Towing, said he's prepare for complete and utter chaos. But it's the kind of chaos that brings in cash. It's major snow days that lead to major revenue.
"It'll go up 400% to 500% percent," said Grisham.
Revenue could be even higher than that. But sometimes there are too many calls coming in and not enough manpower to handle them all.
"We'll shut the phones off or tell people to acquire other services after we're holding 30 or 40 calls."
It's important that tow truck drivers aren't taking on more than they can handle because it's dangerous for them out there, too. That's why preparation before the snow starts falling is so crucial.
"We go through and operate all the equipment to make sure everything is functioning properly," Grisham said. "We make sure that we have adequate straps and salt, just in the event that we get stuck."
And there are things drivers can do to help out towing crews, too.
"When we're on the side of the road, they need to slow down," Grisham said. "That is one of the biggest hazards that we have."
While any major snowfall means chaos for tow truck drivers, it's the kind of chaos they hope for every year.
"We could always use more."
