By Pat Culverhouse
National Weather Service predictions continue to show a winter weather event, with possible sleet, freezing rain or snow and extremely low temperatures, headed for the Minden/Webster Parish area.
With those predictions in mind, local and parish first responders are fine-tuning plans for what could be an extended period of emergencies.
Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said his department is making sure all necessary equipment is ready to go, and it will be “all hands on deck” for as long as it takes.
“All shifts are going to be ready, and all our equipment has been checked out. We’re going to be as ready as we can be,” he said.
McIver said the potential of hazardous driving conditions in the city is one of the reasons he’s been purchasing all-wheel drive vehicles when it’s replacement time.
“We have these vehicles which are more suited for getting us around in bad conditions,” he said. “And, we have our side-by-side that we will deploy. I think we will be able to get to anyone who needs us.”
McIver said city residents can be a big help by following some simple advice.
“If there’s hazardous conditions, like icy streets, stay at home unless it’s an extreme emergency,” he said. “The best advice we can give is to use good judgement. Make all your preparations now. Don’t wait until the sleet or snow begins to fall.”
Fire Chief Brian Williams said his department will be operating with full shifts, increasing manpower during the course of the winter event. His firefighters have also made sure the necessary equipment is ready.
“We have snow chains for our fire trucks, and we have de-icer ready for the concrete lots at the stations,” he said. “We have our side-by-side ready. I think we’re prepared for the weather.”
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker agrees that staying indoors, especially if temperatures drop drastically and roads become ice-covered, is the best idea.
“There are plenty of roads in our rural areas that are very hazardous when ice covered,” he said. “We would urge residents, especially those who live on the lesser traveled roads, to exercise good judgment and caution.”
Parker said deputies will be patrolling during the weather event as long as necessary.
“We’re going to have everyone on duty and on standby to be sure we can handle all calls for assistance,” he said. “We’ve made sure all our vehicles and equipment are ready to go and we’re making sure we have the parish covered.”