Mid-Missouri first responders prepare for potential weather threats
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Emergency first responder crews are starting to prepare for the potential of severe weather on Saturday. According to Policy.net, about 900 people are killed in the US every year in vehicle crashes due to snow
Gale Blomenkamp, assistant chief for Boone County Fire Protection, says awareness is key for their preparation. He said he has told all his crews to make sure they have the necessary tools to work in the worst weather conditions.
"Worst case scenario is the ice. Makes it very difficult for us to get up driveways, to get up any type of rural road. We have many narrow and steep roads in Boone County throughout the area. Trying to get up some driveways to a resident that may be having a medical issue or fire," said Blomenkamp.
Blomenkamp said their agency checks with their crews, making sure they have extra items like ice melt and shovels if a situation calls for it.
Lt. David Williams, with Jefferson City Police Department, says if possible, avoid driving until road conditions have improved. If you must travel make sure to leave early, turn on your headlights and don’t tailgate other vehicles.
Williams also said that It may be helpful to download a weather alert app such as Smart 911 or utilize websites such as the MoDot Traveler map for road condition information.
Blomenkamp said, the challenge is getting to the victim in these weather conditions.
"It's about getting to that scene in a timely manner and a safe manner. So we have to we will have extended response times in inclement weather. Every fire department, every emergency service does across this country. It will delay you and it will slow you down because you have to get there safely to do any good to begin with," said Blomenkamp.
Blomenkamp advises if you are in a crash and there are no injuries, and no one is intoxicated, please pull over to a safe spot and exchange information with the other driver involved.
City of Columbia plow crews are going to report at 6 a.m. on Saturday for winter weather.
As temperatures begin to fall below freezing on Saturday morning, rain is expected to change into a mix of sleet and freezing rain. As this occurs, crews will then shift their focus to treating first and second priority routes. Motorists are advised to drive with caution, as slickness is expected to be a major concern throughout the weekend.
As winter weather can be unpredictable, residents are encouraged to closely monitor the forecast and changing road conditions throughout the mid-Missouri area.
