Safety officials from throughout Lincoln and Lancaster County gathered Wednesday morning to highlight challenges and efforts that come with this week’s harsh winter conditions. The press conference was held as the National Weather Service says a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from noon Wednesday, to 7 PM Friday. Blizzard conditions are possible with winds up to 45 mph, light icing and snow accumulations up to three inches. A Wind Chill Warning is also in effect from 12:01 AM Thursday to noon, Saturday. Wind chills as low as 45 below zero are possible.
LPD Chief Teresa Ewins said that Lincoln police are standing by and ready to assist both the public and the city. Ewins urged the community to look out for their family members and outlined some ways residents can practice good car safety.
“Consider stocking your vehicle with a winter-weather roadside kit. This could include ice melt, a small shovel, flashlight, blankets, and hand warmers,” said Ewins.
Ewins gave further advice on filing a police report during a storm. If it is not an emergency, wait until the storm has passed or call the non-emergency number at 402-441-6000. Dial 911 for an emergency, and officers will respond.
Lincoln Fire and Rescue Chief Dave Engler also spoke about ways that excessive snow can affect firefighting efforts and the ways that residents can be part of the solution.
“There are more than 12,000 fire hydrants across the city,” said Engler. “Many times, our fire and rescue crews must dig fire hydrants out from the snow during emergencies, which hinders our efforts to be as effective as possible. This is just a reminder that if there is a fire hydrant near your property, please dig around the hydrant and shovel a path directly to it.”
Engler also said that those who are incapable of shoveling their own walk and driveways can face numerous problems in blizzard conditions. Engler urged those in that position to make plans with family members or friends. He added that a volunteer group called Snow Angels is there to help.
For more information on what the city and county said regarding this week’s winter weather, see the story at KLIN.com.