Texas Electric Grid: Senator Bob Hall Files Legislation to Address Resiliency, Reliability Of The State Electric Grid
Today (Dec. 21, 2022), District 2 Senator Bob Hall filed Senate Bill 330 to address the resiliency and reliability of the Texas electric grid.
Senator Hall has advocated for strengthening the resiliency of the grid and implementing measures to harden the grid against both natural and man-made threats each session since he was first elected to office.
As seen during Winter Storm Uri, Texas’ electrical grid is vulnerable. The natural threat of the winter storm took the lives of over 200 people, had both direct and indirect economic impacts totaling more than $130 billion, and placed the state-wide grid to within four minutes of failure, which likely would have meant weeks or even months without electricity as the grid was “restarted.”
In addition to the natural threats of severe weather, earthquakes, hurricanes, and geomagnetic disturbances (GMD), the energy grid faces threats from cyber-attacks, terrorist attacks, and electromagnetic pulses (EMP).
“Electricity is the second most important thing to sustaining life in our modern society, behind only air. While some may say water is the second most important for human life, without electricity, our water supply would not work for most people,” says Senator Hall. “It is time that Texas take a serious look at these vulnerabilities and take steps to protect Texans from another widespread outage.”
“The bill we filed today will create the Texas Electric Grid Security Commission which will be charged with evaluating the vulnerabilities to the grid and critical infrastructure and developing standards that will mitigate these threats,” Hall continued. “This bill has wide bipartisan support, with fourteen senators signing on as co-authors.”
The standards the commission implements will need to address the risks of both natural and man-made threats to Texas’ grid and critical infrastructure.
“We must harden our infrastructure to ensure that we are protected against another widespread grid failure and that, in the inevitable event of another storm like Uri, our communities must not lose access to basic living necessities, safe drinking water, financial institutions, food, and transportation, and can return to normalcy as quickly as possible,” said Hall.
Given the increased focus on energy reliability and the more recent near-total grid collapse, Hall hopes this legislative session may be the one that this topic finally gets the attention needed to address it.
Bob Hall is a Citadel graduate, an electrical engineer, a military veteran, and is currently ranked the most conservative State Senator in Texas. Bob and his wife, Kay, live in Van Zandt County and are members of Lakeside Baptist Church. Senator Hall represents Texas Senate District 2, which currently encompasses Fannin, Delta, Hunt, Hopkins, Rains, Rockwall, Kaufman, Van Zandt, and part of Dallas County
Annona Woman Jailed On Federal Warrant
A 40-year-old Annona, Texas woman was jailed Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 20, 2022, on a federal warrant, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Lt. Mark Estes took Crystal McLin Lipe into custody at 2 p.m. Dec. 20, 2022, in the 8th Judicial District Courtroom on a federal warrant for tampering with a consumer product.
According to arrest reports, the 40-year-old Annona, Texas (a town located southeast of Clarksville in Red River County) woman was investigated by the Federal Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration. The investigation resulted in in federal warrant being issued for the tampering with a consumer product charge, Estes noted in arrest reports.
Texas Penal Code Title 5, Chapter 22, Section 22.09 defines tampering with consumer product as follows:
Lipe was taken into custody in district court and transported to the county jail, where she will be held until federal officials can transport her to a Sherman facility, according to arrest reports.
Trespassing Teen Accused Of Obstruction, Resisting Arrest
A trespassing teen was accused of obstruction and resisting arrest Tuesday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Robble Acosta reported contacting a 19-year-old at 4:41 p.m. Dec. 20, 2022, at a Texas Street address, a location the officer was aware the youth had previously been issued a criminal trespass warning, prohibiting him from being on the property.
After being placed under arrest and into handcuffs, Jordan Terrell Givens began using force against the officer in what Acosta believed to be an attempt to obstruct the arrest. He also allegedly threatened to commit an act of violence toward the officer, a public servant, the officer alleged in arrest reports.
As a result, Acosta transported Givens to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 7:24 p.m. Tuesday on obstruction or retaliation, resisting arrest and criminal trespass charges, according to arrest reports. The teen remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, in lieu of $105,000 bond — $75,000 on the third-degree felony obstruction/retaliation charge, $20,000 on the Class A misdemeanor resisting charge and $10,000 on the Class B misdemeanor trespassing charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
2022 In Review: 4-H Agricultural Plan — Hopkins County
By Dr. Mario Villarino, Hopkins County Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, [email protected]
RELEVANCE
4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources projects are an important component of the county 4-H program in Texas. Currently, 63% of Texas 4-H members are enrolled in a livestock project. These projects provide youth with subject matter education, as well as valuable learning experiences , character education and leadership skills critical for youth.
RESPONSE
Adult volunteer engagement is critical to administer the program and expand the outreach . As today youth are further removed from farming, many do not understand the importance of agriculture and how it impacts their daily lives . This plan included a path to the plate program component as a stand alone educational event (1,231 attendees). The plan also included monthly veterinary science sessions using a directional specific curriculum intended to provide education to achieve Veterinary Assistant Certification. The objective of the plan was to provide 4-H members with excellent learning opportunities within the ANR project areas . This plan utilized a 4-H Livestock Project Coalition to provide direction and support for the programs and events conducted.
The following activities were implemented during 2021-2022:
- Livestock Clinics (beef, poultry, swine, goat/lamb) (October-January).
- 12 Veterinary Sessions (Monthly).
- Ag in the classroom (4 sessions, 1,231 participants).
- Livestock County Show (Feb, 2022).
- Dairy Livestock Show (June, 2022).
- Participation in all major livestock shows.
- Validation of steers, heifers, goats, lambs, swine and broilers.
- 42 home project visits.
- 25 Press release related to Livestock Youth Projects.
Evaluation Strategy
Retrospective post evaluation surveys were utilized to measure knowledge gain and adoptions of best practices for the evaluated
programs.
- 100% (76/76) responded to the evaluation instrument (Path to the Plate Expo).
RESULTS
2022 Ag in the Classroom
- 80% (61/76) indicated a better understanding of the path food production takes to get to our plate.
- 70% (53/76) Indicated a better understanding of the way farmers and ranchers produce the food that we eat.
- 78% (59/76) indicated a better understanding of the connection between agriculture and health.
- 82% (62/76) learned the value of agriculture in daily life.
- 83% (63/76) learned the importance of eating a healthy diet and a variety of food.
Extension programs of Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas.
Chamber Connection — Dec 21, 2022: Sock Drive, Breakfast With Santa On Tap; Holiday Ornaments Still Available
Nominations For Annual Chambers Awards, Submissions For Chamber Directory Are Currently Being Accepted
Butch, Amanda and Jaci at the Chamber of Commerce wish everyone a happy Christmas and a wonderful new year! Count your blessings during this season and embrace your loved ones.
Christmas Activities
- Doerksen Hospice is hosting a sock drive benefitting our area oncology clinics, dialysis centers, and nursing homes. They will accepting the socks through the month of December. Drop off locations will be their office at 1304 Church St. and the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizen Center on MLK.
- The Salvation Army will be hosting Breakfast with Santa on Thursday, December 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. at The ROC Contact Dihn at 214-709-3523 with any questions.
Nominations
As 2022 comes to an end, it is time to get nominations in for those individuals and businesses that have been outstanding this year.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year — Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Hopkins County Ornaments
If you’re looking for a special gift, come see us at the Chamber for our annual Christmas tree ornament.
For the fifth year, the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce has commissioned a Christmas ornament, and this year it celebrates Heritage Park!
The cost is $40. If you would like to purchase one, drop by our office at 110 Main St. by 4 p.m. Thursday. We will be closed Friday for Christmas.
Directories
Work has started on the 2023 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
East Shannon Road Zoning Change Request Receives Planning & Zoning Commission Recommendation
The Sulphur Springs Planning and Zoning Commission was asked Monday to consider a request from Kennedy Commercial-Shannon Rd LLC to rezone approximately 0.78-acre of land at 1439 East Shannon Road, changing that part of the property from heavy industrial to multifamily.
The property is located near the intersection of Cadi Lane and Helm Lane, where the developer plans to construct three duplex-style rental properties. The intent is for the property to be very similar to the units Joe Ardis had constructed on Lundy Street, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski told the P&Z Commission Monday evening.
Residential development is not permitted in heavy industrial zones. Heavy industrial zoning currently allows for auto wrecking yards, lumber mills, junkyards, factories, and other commercial and rental uses, city staff reported.
The property is surrounded by a variety of zoning types. To the north is a heavy industrial zone, which includes warehousing and offices. To the east is another heavy commercial zone on Helm Lane, where apartments are located. To the south and west is a neighborhood with single family housing which are zoned single family-6.
City staff reported downsizing the zoning to allow for duplexes on the property would be an appropriate transition, given the single family and multifamily housing in the neighborhoods around the property.
Certified letters were sent to 13 surrounding property owners within 200 feet of the proposed zoning change, notifying them of the request and P&Z meeting on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. The City of Sulphur Springs received five responses to those letters, four that were opposed to the zoning change and one that was undecided because the individual no longer owns property there.
Concerns expressed were for more of a buffer between the single family homes and rental units. The developer of the Woodcreek Subdivision also indicated opposition to the change, as having townhomes or duplexes next door to a new addition would affect existing homes from being sold, Niewiadomski reported at the Monday evening P&Z meeting.
One reply was from a widow who indicated having more multifamily housing at that address would make her feel measurably more unsafe.
Two of the replies were from a Marianne Circle couple who asked the P&Z Commission to protect their 20-plus-year-old home in the nearby neighborhood with more of a boundary. One claimed the new neighborhood has homes that are sitting empty with no interest shown and that “has made a mess of our streets.”
The Woodcreek Subdivision developer noted the duplexes would be right next door to the entrance to the subdivision. He noted he “put in 30K additionally for stubbing out to the proposed for which zoning change is requested,” which he said “is very unfair for me as a developer.” Ram Yennam noted five single family homes have already been built and are unsold. Adding townhomes or duplexes next to the entrance to the development would further impact the ability to sell those homes.
“It’s an improvement in staff’s opinion. If we were talking bigger, I’d say we need more discussion,” Neiwiadomski said Monday night, recommending the request be granted.
Planning and Zoning Commissioner Twila Gill made a motion, which Commissioner Craig English seconded, to send the motion to Sulphur Springs City Council, with a recommendation the zoning change be approved. All four members of the P&Z Commission present at the Dec. 19, 2022, meeting — Pat Chase, Chuck Sickles, English and Gill — voted in favor of the recommendation for approval. The zoning change will require approval of the City Council before it can be enacted.
Wildcats Basketball 15-4 After Lighting Up Bullard
Wildcat basketball rebounded from their Friday home loss to Nacogdoches by scoring early and often in a Tuesday win over Bullard.
Sulphur Springs lit up the scoreboard, putting up 76 on the visiting Panthers.
Even though the Panthers provided a good test throughout the first half, Sulphur Springs came out on a tear in the third quarter. Leading 37-32 after two, the Wildcats proceeded to blow by the Panthers in the third quarter en route to a 76-59 win on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
Bullard trailed only by one, and consistently heat-checked Sulphur Springs throughout the first half to keep it tied, at one point leading 33-30.
Any team would have had trouble keeping up with Wildcats basketball in their Tuesday victory. The team shot over 80% from the field.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad picked up another win on Tuesday, Dec. 20 thanks to even scoring from the team. Tuesday’s point total (76) is the highest in almost two weeks when men’s basketball stomped El Campo in the Stafford tournament. It’s the fifth highest points scored by the Wildcats this season.
Such a scoring total would not have been possible on Tuesday were it not for Branson Lynn. The senior PG hit eight three-pointers for 24 points.
Men’s basketball hit 14 three-pointers in their win over Bullard. Over half of those were scored by Lynn (eight).
Four more Wildcats finished in double-figures, as Kordrick Turner (13 points/8 rebounds) and Parker Whisenhunt led the way. The latter finished with a double-double. Malachi Myles and Theo Mckelvey were the last two athletes to finish in double-figures, as both scored 10 in the win on Tuesday.
Macaulin Rollison and DJ Wilkerson rounded out scoring at five and three points, respectively.
Wildcats basketball is now 15-4 heading into Christmas after picking up another impressive win at home over Bullard.
They take rest of the week off before heading to the DFW metroplex for a post-Christmas tournament.
Sulphur Springs plays at the In-n-out Holiday Invitational Mon-Wed, December 26-28.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Family & Community Health In Hopkins County
Note: This is the 5th in a series of Extension program impacts for 2022
By Johanna Hicks, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent For Family and Community Health in Hopkins County, [email protected].
I want to start by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. I know this is a bittersweet time for many as they have experienced loss, financial issues, illness, breakdown of relationships and other hardships in 2022. However, we all know that happiness and daylight always return, no matter what! Keep the faith!
Each year, our Extension staff provides summaries on program impacts throughout the year. This is the 5th program impact summary. Today’s focus will be on general family and community health influences during 2022.
RELEVANCE
Many people do not realize the expanse of Extension outreach in Hopkins County. The need for educational programming on various topics has been addressed through workshops, one-shot sessions, and health fairs. Master Wellness Volunteers and Family & Community Health Committee serve as a sounding board, but also assist with planning and implementing these programs. Partnerships with other agencies, networking opportunities, and resource provision are seen as strengths in the Family & Community Health area. As Family & Community Health Extension Agent, I have been honored to serve on the following:
- School Health Advisory Councils (SHAC) for Sulphur Springs and Como-Pickton School districts
- Community Resource Coordination Group (CRCG)
- Community Chest Board
- Sulphur Springs Head Start Advisory Board
- American Diabetes Association member
- Eclipse 2024 Committee (Chamber of Commerce)
Weekly Mass Media contributions are made to:
- Sulphur Springs News Telegram (52 regular columns, numerous special submissions)
- KSST Radio website and KSCH Radio
- Community Chronicle Newspaper
- Front Porch News Hopkins County Social media page (52 regular submissions, plus special contributions)
- Hopkins County Family & Community Heath social media page (3-6 per week)
- Quarterly contributions to Texas Extra newsletter (statewide Extension e-newsletter)
RESPONSE
Partnerships and collaborations have included:
- Independent school districts (7)
- Southwest Dairy Museum
- Senior Citizen’s Center
- Chamber of Commerce
- Food Bank
Major programs and workshops (in addition to those listed in previous summaries) have included:
- 49th Annual Christmas Joys Holiday Management Program (2 sessions reach 168 individuals)
- 55+ Health Fair (approximately 250 attended the event)
- Twogether in Texas Marriage Education (3 couples completed the workshop and saved $60 upon applying for a marriage license)
- 3-day Summer Sewing Workshop (37 youth and adults participated in the 3-day workshop)
- Judges’ Training for Fairs, Festivals and Events (partnership with Rains, Titus, Hunt, and Kaufman Counties) 2-day event reached 27 individuals who completed all segments
One-shot programs included:
- Hopkins/Rains Retired Teachers
- Canner lid testing and guideline distribution
- Lone Star Quilt Guild
- Extension Leadership Training – personality styles
State/National Recognition in 2022 included:
- TEAFCS: 1st place Healthy Texas Better Living for Texans
- TEAFCS: Commissioners’ Court Award
- NEAFCS: 1st place Master Family & Consumer Sciences Volunteer Program Award
- National Health Outreach Priester Award: Cooking Well with Diabetes
- Nominated for Extension Superior Service Award: Cooking Well with Diabetes
Coming next week: 4-H Youth summary.
Closing Thought
A year us basically 365 opportunities for something great to happen. May God bless you!
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed.Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County office at P.O. Box 518 or 1200-B W. Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
**SSPD Reports Issues With Landline 911 Service
** “911 IS FULLY FUNCTIONAL AGAIN” reported.
Sulphur Springs Police Department before 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022 announced issues with some 911 service.
According to SSPD Lt. Rusty Stillwagoner, the police department is “currently experiencing a 911 outage for landline telephone service. 911 service for cell phones is still operational.”
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson noted that SSPD personnel working with utility service officials to try to restore full service. Until 911 service is restored for landline phones as well as cell phones, anyone within the city of Sulphur Springs should either use their cell phone or call the SSPD office line, 903-439-3719.
Police shared the message on social media, noting that SSPD will provide an update there when 911 landline service is restored.
Prepare For Winter Storms: Learn Weather-Related Terms, Winterize Homes & Vehicles, Act To Protect Animals
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Hopkins County, [email protected]
Storms can last for days, resulting in power outages, blocked or closed roads, and flooding. Being prepared for winter storms includes understanding weather-related terms, winterizing homes and vehicles, and taking action to protect family members, pets, livestock, and neighbors.
Living in regions where snow, ice, or low temperatures are common, winterizing the home is a good first step in preparing for the winter months. Along with making sure that homes are well-insulated and the plumbing is protected from freezing, it is important to make sure there is an adequate amount of fuel available for heating during the winter months
Preparing for Winter Storms
As winter approaches, having vehicles serviced and winterized involves potential life-saving measures. Vehicles should have all-weather tires with good tread. Always keep the vehicle’s fuel tank at least half-full during the winter months because being stranded in a blizzard and running out of fuel presents an extremely life-threatening situation. The windshield washer fluid reservoir should be checked regularly, and be sure to have a snow/ice scraper in every vehicle. Each vehicle should be equipped with a winter car kit including a shovel, blankets, extra mittens, socks, hats, booster cables, flashlight and batteries, first aid kit, bright colored cloth to use as a flag, snacks, and water.
Predicting Snow and Ice Conditions
A significant number of resources are available at the local, regional and national levels to help citizens predict snow and ice conditions. Paying close attention to developing weather patterns can assist individuals and communities in preparing for serious snow and ice impacts. Close monitoring of TV and radio weather-related news, specifically winter storm alerts, is a very important part of being prepared. Purchasing a weather-alert radio which can be battery or crank operated is also recommended. These radios are readily available at many types of retail stores. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a very reliable source for winter storm warnings. NOAA also provides information on wind chills which can be a major factor in determining many activities such as school closings or whether or not an elderly person or someone with a chronic health condition should go outdoors.
Personal, Home and Farm Safety Issues
- PERSONAL
- Winter storm preparedness includes measures that people should take at home, outside clearing snow and/or during recreational activities. Survival outside during the winter begins with dressing adequately for the conditions and anticipating changes. Appropriate clothing involves wearing loose, lightweight, layers plus boots, hats, and mittens. Mittens are a better alternative to gloves because by allowing fingers to be together, they will stay warmer. Jackets or outer garments should be tightly knit, hooded and water repellant.
- Much of the body’s heat escapes through a person’s head, therefore it is important to wear a hat. Covering the mouth and nose with a scarf to warm the air entering the lungs is recommended for people who need to be outdoors in extreme cold or wind chill conditions. When working outside or shoveling during a winter storm, avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Performing activities that the body is not used to will add to the possibility of heart attack or aggravating other chronic health conditions. Take frequent breaks and drink water to stay hydrated.
- Hypothermia and cold injuries are two winter health hazards to be concerned about. Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature drops to a level at which normal muscle and brain functions are impaired. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow/slurred speech, disorientation, and exhaustion. While actual body temperatures may differ in individuals, a core temperature lower than 95 degrees F. is a common indicator of hypothermia. Cold injuries occur when the body has a reaction to the cold by reducing blood flow to extremities such as the hands or feet. The most serious condition, frostbite, has the following symptoms: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately as frostbite can cause permanent damage.
- HOMES
- Occasionally, there may be a power outage in homes for a period of time during an ice or snow storm. It is important to be prepared for this by knowing how to safely deal with food, drinking water and alternate heating sources. When choosing to use a portable generator during a power outage, safety is an important concern. If using alternate heat sources, carbon monoxide poisoning is a dangerous health risk as well as fires from unattended units. There are additional home issues that may need to be addressed such as roof ice dams and attic condensation.
- PETS
- It is also important to provide extra care for pets’ safety during a winter storm. Pets that live outside need extra calories to stay warm, so provide them with more feed than during warmer temperatures. Also, make sure their water does not freeze. If indoor pets do go outside, check the temperature prior to letting them outdoors and do not leave them out for long periods. Pets can get frostbite on their ears, tails and paws.
- FARMS
- Planning for winter includes preparing for the care and safety of livestock. During a winter storm proper preparedness may mean the difference between life or death for farm animals. In addition to issues involving dairy cattle and livestock, the North Dakota State University site which is referenced above provides fact sheets on preparedness for farm facilities and dealing with potential crop damage. After a heavy snowfall or prolonged snow accumulation, snow loads on barn roofs may become an issue.
Travel Considerations
It should be stressed that traveling during a winter storm can be very hazardous and it is best to drive only if absolutely necessary during the storm. Statistics indicate that 70 percent of injuries occurring during snow and ice conditions involve motor vehicle crashes. Multiple vehicle crashes are more common during sleet, freezing rain and dense fog conditions, so it is important to be aware of the weather and realize that a change in the air temperature can quickly deteriorate road conditions. As mentioned earlier, winterizing personal vehicles and carrying emergency supplies are part of being prepared for winter storms even if only traveling to and from work. Carrying a cell phone is an excellent safety measure but it is important to make sure the phone is always fully charged before leaving home.
It is also highly recommended that long-distance travel plans be shared with family members or friends and serious consideration must be given to revising or cancelling a trip, when a winter storm warning has been issued. It is best to travel during daylight, on the main roads and avoid “shortcuts”. During a storm, snow plows will work first to keep the main roads open; snow removal on secondary roads may not be as consistent. If caught in a storm or blizzard during a trip, it is important to pull off the highway, turn on your hazard lights and stay with the vehicle. It is very easy to become disoriented when trying to walk in an unfamiliar area during a heavy snowfall with high winds.
Flooding conditions may occur after a winter storm and can be the result of ice jams on rivers/streams or a sudden thaw. Under no circumstances should anyone try to drive through water pooled or moving over a road. The water may be deeper than it appears and levels can rise quickly. In as little as 6-12 inches of water, a vehicle may float causing loss control.
