MERCER COUNTY, W. Va. -The ice and snow that we’ve been seeing can make roadways dangerous, but when it actually downs trees and power lines, it creates even more problems, with the potential damage often extending beyond a blocked path.
Capt. David Thompson Jr. with the Green Valley-Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department says his crew have been busy since 3:30 am, helping with downed trees and power lines and adds that other departments in our area have been out since midnight or even earlier. He calls it a “constant battle,” with keeping just the main thoroughfares clear taking up all their time.
In addition, he says the ice has left a lot of the area residents without power. Beyond losing electricity, this can cause a lot of problems, especially if the downed power lines are still live while people are trying to clear the trees.
“If a resident sees one, you know, definitely notify 911, try to get somebody out to clean it up. If there is a power line involved in it, stay away from it, because the power can, where the ground is wet, it can travel across the ground to a certain degree, and if you try to get out there and start messing with a tree, you become more of an injury than it is a help,” says Capt. Thompson.
Capt. Thompson says one of the best ways to prevent situations like this may happen in the summer, encouraging residents to trim trees that may create trouble in the winter months.
For now, as the area continues to deal with the damage from this winter storm, he says to stay home and, if you’re over sixteen, consider volunteering your time with your local fire departments who are in need of help.
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