PIKE COUNTY, Ky. – The snow and ice will not be melting any time soon, according to Nee Jackson, Emergency Management Director for Pike County. The high for this week is 31 on Thursday, but windchills are keeping surface temps in the low 20s and even single digits in some parts of the county, making salt treatment nearly impossible.
“That spins around to being pretty nasty,” Jackson said, referencing the windchill factor. “That wind moves across the surface and brings the temperature down and makes the treatment not work.”
Road crews are out regardless, doing what they can to make some headway. Jackson said the southern part of the county is in better condition than the north, seeing slightly higher temperatures, and those areas in direct sunlight may see some melting.
If you absolutely must travel, Jackson recommended waiting until later in the day after it has warmed up a little, but avoid driving in the dark, as you won’t be able to see slick patches. “Anything that looks moist is probably ice.”
If you have to be out in the cold this week, Jackson offered some safety measures to keep in mind:
- Limit exposure (no more than 30 minutes at a time)
- Wear layers
- Cover all exposed skin
- Stay hydrated if working (water is best)
- Change out of wet clothes
Many people don’t realize that sweat freezes; if you are out shoveling or working, do not extend your time outdoors just because you feel warm. Take time to go inside, take off layers to let your skin warm up, dry off any sweat, and change out of any damp clothing.
Signs that you or someone else has been out in the cold too long:
- Numbness in extremities
- Redness of skin
- Shivering
Signs of hypothermia:
- Severe shivering
- Confusion/fogginess
- Fatigue
- Inability to grip items / loss of dexterity in hands
- Slow/shallow breathing
- Cramping, tightness of muscles
If you or someone is experiencing hypothermia, get inside, get near a heat source, remove clothing and slowly warm your body, focusing on the chest, groin and neck areas.
Jackson recommended that children not be outside playing in these temperatures, but if they are, make sure they are adequately dressed and not near any ice, as it is too thin. Also make sure your animals are adequately sheltered and have water.
