Daviess County Fiscal Court Storm Briefing Plus How to Measure Ice Accumulation

Wednesday afternoon, Daviess County Judge-Executive Al Mattingly delivered a briefing about the winter storm headed our way that has led to the issuance of an ice storm warning.

ICE STORM BRIEFING: WILL THE ROADS BE PRE-TREATED?

He was joined in the address by multiple city officials who were on hand to give viewers advice about how to handle what's coming our way and some tips on how to deal with possible power outages.

County Engineer Mark Brasher actually began with a point that I'd wondered about the last couple of days and had answers to my questions. Because the potential ice storm will be preceded by a large amount of rain, pre-treatment of roads isn't going to work; it would just wash away.

ICE STORM BRIEFING: TIPS FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

A representative from the fire department (whose name I didn't catch, unfortunately) gave out some pro tips for dealing with life in case an ice storm shuts things down. His leading point was that we shouldn't hesitate to call the fire department if we really do need them. But we should be prepared to wait; they have to drive slow on ice just like we do.

Also, when it comes to generators, always place them at least 20 feet away from the house and don't EVER operate them in basements or garages. Plus, make sure the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are charged.

ICE STORM BRIEFING: DAVIESS COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Daviess County Emergency Management chief Andy Ball said that DCEMA has already been reaching out to churches for use as emergency shelters. Ball also said that constables, with Judge Mattingly's permission, will be available for security purposes.

DCEMA has already announced that Thursday night will be a White Flag event with the main shelter being Owensboro Christian Church on New Hartford Road.

With regards to travel conditions, Ball reiterated the folly of thinking you can do much better on the roads with a four-wheel-drive vehicle; ice is the great equalizer.

The team offered tips about things they admitted we already knew or had taken care of, but it never hurts to be reminded to keep our phones charged and our vehicles gassed up. Also, some comforting thoughts...OMU and Kenergy are prepared; they have crews coming in to help if we need them.

The Daviess County Courthouse number is 270-685-8424. Don't hesitate to use it if you feel you need to use it; your call will be directed accordingly. Also, the number for the operations center is 270-685-8456.

And make sure your pets have shelter.

HOW TO MEASURE ICE ACCUMULATIONS

Now, I'd like to tack on something really interesting from the National Weather Service's Paducah office regarding measuring ice. It's easy with snow; just stick a ruler or yardstick into an old paint bucket (that's what I do). But what about ice? Well, here's how you do it.

Be safe everybody, and stay off the roads if at all possible.