Stoddard County EMA preparing for winter storm;offers tips to stay safe

Stoddard County along with the rest of Southeast Missouri is under a Winter Storm Warning from noon Wednesday through Thursday night. According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, two to five inches of snow and sleet are possible generally along a line from Poplar Bluff and Cape Girardeau to Marion and Albion, Illinois.

Stoddard County Emergency Management Director, Andrew Bohnert said Stoddard County could see approximately a quarter inch of ice as well as one to three inches of sleet and snow. Localized amounts of precipitation may vary. Bohnert stated that localized power outages are possible with this amount of ice due to ice accumulation on the powerlines and tree branches which could be broken with moderate wind gusts.

Bohnert said he and some of his Emergency Management volunteers have been trying to stay ahead of the game in preparation for this storm. Bohnert shared that the volunteers and himself have been delivering cots and other supplies for warming centers and shelters across the County.

Bohnert said a couple of the locations are not equipped with generators therefore residents in those areas will be directed to an alternate location in the event of a power outage. Bohnert said in the event of power outages, follow local guidance as to where and when to go because an alternate location for some centers may be needed due to not having generators. Bohnert is not disclosing the locations yet to ensure residents in need go to the correct locations when they are opened in case of unforeseen circumstances, “plans and procedures have been developed with respective partners, and information will be sent out as it becomes appropriate.”

Bohnert also offered some advice to keep you and your family safe during the storm. He said to have plenty of blankets on hand in your home as well as candles and flash lights. He encourages having bottled water, an alternate method of cooking such as a propane grill with a full tank, and food options that do not require cooking. If you will be operating a generator, he stressed to ensure that the exhaust fumes do not enter the interior of the structure resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning. Bohnert stated, “while the roads are still not cleared, we are highly discouraging all travel unless absolutely necessary.” Bohnert said to follow local forecasts for this storm, such as from the National Weather Service Office in Paducah.

Additional information will be released as needed by Stoddard County Emergency Management and other local agencies.