First Responders Break Down Winter Weather Response

First responders and utility firms have been extremely busy throughout Thursday’s winter storm. 

First responders stated the easiest way to remain protected is to remain off the street fully, if potential. 

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has responded to 577 complete incidents since midnight. Fourteen of these had been deserted automobiles, one driving below the affect, three fatality collisions, seven hit-and-run collisions, 72 damage collisions, 110 motorist assists, 332 non-injury collisions, and 5 welfare checks.

News 9 spoke with Trooper Eric Foster with OHP who stated it is vital to have additional heat garments, a blanket and water if individuals do must exit on the roads as we speak. 

He stated troopers are working to reply to the entire calls, however this manner individuals will keep protected and heat as they reply if persons are in an incident.

He additionally suggested to maintain telephones charged in case individuals must name regulation enforcement, and ensure individuals notify pals or household in the event that they’re headed out Thursday, in case they’re concerned in a visitors incident.

“Always be prepared for the weather that’s at hand, so if you just think ahead. If I get stopped or my car stops running and it’s four degrees outside- what do I need? Well, you need a blanket. You probably need some water because you don’t know how long the first responders might get to get there,” Trooper Eric Foster with OHP said.

EMSA told News9 they have responded to 12 cold exposure calls in their Oklahoma City Western District, and seven of those have been transported. 

“What concerns us the most is that there’s going to be a stretch of cold days, and we’re not going to really get a break for, you, know, three to four days. so just making sure. that you know folks are taking these temperatures seriously,” Adam Paluka with EMSA said.

Paluka also advises that people dress in layers, even if they are just going outside for a few minutes. He said people shouldn’t be out on the roads during this kind of weather unless it’s absolutely necessary. 

“It’s not an option for us to stay home. We have to be out on the roads, everybody who is out on the road, hopefully they’re there because it’s a necessity, but if you can put off travel and you can stay home, that helps us out tremendously,” Paluka stated.

“We encourage our clients to have a security plan for chilly climate, together with checking in on homebound and aged neighbors and household. Make positive units are charged, gasoline tanks are full and that you’ve blankets on the prepared in automobiles. Find extra extreme climate preparation suggestions here.. 

An inventory of  warming stations within the OG&E service space is offered on OG&E’s web site for patrons who might have to discover a protected and heat place throughout this winter climate.

OG&E clients can join myOGEalerts and monitor the storm affect here. Customers signed up for myOGEalerts obtain outage information by textual content, electronic mail and/or telephone and might report outages by textual content.

Stay away from downed traces and something they’re touching. Please report downed energy traces by calling 800-522-6870.

AAA says the most typical causes for calls are:

1. Tow due to vehicle failure/slide off
2. Battery failure
3. Flat tire