By Pat Culverhouse
Forecasters are predicting Mother Nature will be sending some serious winter weather into the region, and that prediction has local officials looking ahead.
Inside the Minden city limits, Chief of Police Jared McIver said he and his administrative team have been making plans for an expected winter mix of ice and snow along with cold temperatures and wind chills in the teens.
“We’ve been in touch with all the other city departments to make sure we will be communicating,” McIver said. “With an icy mixture expected, streets could become very hazardous and we want to be sure we can coordinate with each other.”
Some of the police department’s new equipment came in handy when the city last experienced a major winter event a little over two years ago, and that will once more be ready for use, the chief said.
“Our new side-by-side really worked out for us. There were occasions when we were able to use it to pull vehicles out of trouble,” McIver said. “If the streets ice over, that will be one of our most valuable tools for assistance.”
McIver said all his officers will be ready for duty and will be available to offer assistance to those who may need it. He also plans to have an additional dispatcher on duty to assist with calls for service.
“We would ask everyone who may have elderly neighbors to pay special attention to them during this time,” he said. “We’d also advise everyone to watch the road conditions. If there’s ice on the streets, please stay home if possible. If you must drive, please do so cautiously. Even a small patch of ice can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.”
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said it will be “all hands on deck” for the Sheriff’s Office.
“We plan to keep a close eye on all our parish roads, so that means we’ll have as many of our people on patrol as we can during this weather situation,” he said.
Parker said he and other parish officials have been on conference calls with the National Weather Service and another is planned for Wednesday.
“The forecasters are saying there’s a possibility of an ice and snow mixture beginning Thursday evening, but we don’t know how much to expect yet or how long it will last,” Parker said. “They will know more by our next call, and we will be able to make our plans accordingly.”
Parker said parish residents should make preparations for the weather event immediately. In addition to protecting themselves and checking on their neighbors, it’s important to protect pets, pipes and plants, he said.
“These low temperatures are expected to continue for several days, and we would advise everyone to be sure they are amply supplied with food, water and the essentials,” he said. “And if someone is going to be working outside, please take precautions. Wind chill could be hazardous.”
If difficulties arise, Parker said individuals should contact the Sheriff’s Office quickly.
“We’ll be ready to help anywhere we’re needed,” he said. “We will respond as quickly as we possibly can.”
Parker and McIver said preparations for the weather event are made in coordination with the parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.