Icy conditions lead to police cruiser crash;
Safety UPDATE…
Ice and snow caused multiple collisions throughout the county this morning. The Lawrence County 911 Center advised that several wrecks were reported between 6am and 10 am this morning.
One accident involved was Louisa Police Departments own Patrolman Miller.
Chief Greg Fugitt stated that “Patrolman Miller was involved in a motor vehicle collision at 06:51 this morning when he was traveling north on KY 2565 in the area of Kellys Auto Sales when he came upon a patch of snow covered black ice which caused his vehicle to loose traction and spin around. It was then his vehicle crossed the center line striking an on coming vehicle driven by, Erin O’Bryan of Louisa. Thankfully no one was seriously injured.”
“Being that this is the first accountable snowfall of the winter season I would like to take this time to remind everyone to be extra careful if you have to be on the roadways.” stated Chief Fugitt.
Date: 01-07-2015
First bad day of winter already causing havoc in the county…several wrecks reported, no school,….officials warn “avoid travel if at all possible”
By Catrina Vargo
Louisa, KY — Everyone knew it was going to be very cold today, Wednesday, Jan. 7, but no one expected the roads to be as bad as they were. With just a dusting of snow, it seemed the freezing temperature was the only problem.
However, as commuters made their way to work, they found that under the light snow, was a solid sheet of ice. Several wrecks were reported all over the county, including the Fallsburg area, Rt. 2565, Fuller Ridge, Rt. 1760, Brushy Creek Rd., Rt. 1690, and more.
Lawrence County Emergency Management Director, Michael Woods, warned folks to avoid travel if at all possible until road crews are able to make some progress.
“The roads are terrible, especially in the northern part of the county, solid ice” he said.
One injury was reported on Rt. 3398.
Several area school systems are closed, and the weather service has issued a wind chill alert for January 7 from 9pm until Friday January 8 at 11:00am.
Officials say to use extreme caution when driving. Road crews are salting roadways, but freezing temperatures limit the effectiveness.
With arctic air invading state, Kentucky agency issues cold weather advisory
Kentucky Press News Service
With cold temperatures, there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of alternative heating sources to heat homes. Also, the risk of hypothermia is high from individuals not properly dressed for cold temperatures.
The state has issued these warnings for Kentuckians in dealing with the weather extremes:
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
· Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement or garage or near a window.
· Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
· Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t properly vented.
· Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.
· Seek prompt medical attention by calling 911 or the Kentucky Regional Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, have a headache, chest pain or are feeling nauseous.
· To install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall for daylight savings time. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.
· The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has carbon monoxide materials available at:
Hypothermia
· Hypothermia can result when the body’s temperature drops below what is necessary to maintain normal bodily functions. In severe cases or when the body is not warmed properly, death can result.
· To prevent hypothermia, wear appropriate clothing and limit the time you spend outdoors. Layer clothes made of synthetic and wool fabrics, which are best for keeping warm. Remember to wear hats, coats, scarves and gloves.
· Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, altered speech pattern, abnormally slow rate of breathing, cold pale skin and lethargy. Seek medical attention if you experiences signs of hypothermia. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.
