The prediction of frigid temperatures and blizzard-like conditions have households planning for an extended stay at home one of the most social weekends of the year. While grocery workers were greeted with customers already waiting in the parking lot as they arrived for their 7 a.m. opening, First Responders and government workers were making sure they were ready for what lies ahead.
Mike Moore, Director of Pendleton County Emergency Management, began sending out weather updates regarding the storm Monday evening, and he continues to do so at the time of this writing; meanwhile, all first responders are making preparations for the storm that they describe as being "one in a generation."
That includes our most active group, the Pendleton County Ambulance Service. While we take that service for granted, much that they do cannot be.
Ambulance District Director Jody Dunhoft has spent days getting ready for the weather, focusing on those who live in the county as the ones 24-hour shifts with others close by being on call. While staffing is always a concern, so is keeping their patients and themselves warm.
"We have increased the oxygen supplies, added extra, thicker blankets to the truck along with a cocoon warming blanket from AirEvac 133)," Dunhoft explains.
Todd Dennie takes care of snow removal on their lot, and they have salt on the trucks along with heavy-duty shovels for sidewalks at calls.
But as prepared as they are, Dunhoft asks people to remember they have to be watchful of their own. For that reason, they "When there is a leveled snow emergency, when weather becomes so treacherous, plans can change. We have to go to the closest facility rather than the preferred facility."
Dunhoft asks everyone to look out for themselves. "One danger is slipping. If you go outside, make sure you have a device in case you have to call someone."
She also asks people to call only if it is a life-threatening emergency. Their travel times will be longer, and they also need to themselves safe and making sure they are available in case of critical situations,
They also have a plan for themselves in case they get stuck. The fire department has already contacted the ambulance service to pledge their help all weekend. Their four-wheel drive vehicles will be available in case they are needed.