“We’re still treating,” department Director Larry Chalker said. “We treated last night until 9 and came back out at 7.”
Chalker said when the snow begins falling the department will treat the hospital first, then areas where fire, police and EMS exit and enter. After that treatment the department will work on connector streets. “We’re looking for a good freeze until Tuesday. Travel is going to be extremely hazardous once it gets hard and frozen. If you don’t need to be out — don’t.”
Chalker said the city is expecting nearly a foot of snow. “We’ll be out through the night tonight and all day tomorrow. Then we will reassess and see how effective we’ve been and see if we need to change what we’re doing.”
Chalker cautioned those who are able to do so to avoid parking alongside curbing. This will aid snow plows, whose blades stick out further than the trucks they are attached to.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service, in its latest briefing today said there is high confidence the highest snowfall totals will be north of Highway 64, generally from the Greensboro to Roxboro to Roanoke Rapids areas.
The NWS warned, however, “Regardless of whether the wintry precipitation type is snow or sleet, there will still be enough of it to cause dangerous travel conditions this weekend.”
Law enforcement
Roanoke Rapids Police Chuck Hasty said, “Don’t go out if you can avoid it, increase distance between vehicles and watch bridges and overpasses.”
He cautioned drivers who are out to decrease speed and reminded residents ATV’s are not allowed on public roads. “Pulling tubes and sleds by cars and trucks is dangerous.”
Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement, “In the event of adverse weather for the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas, when the roads become impassable, it is highly recommended that citizens stay home. Only drive if there is an urgency.”
Tripp said because of liability, public and officer safety, deputies will not be transporting people to and from from work. “Deputies will be patrolling all areas of Halifax County. We ask for your cooperation and understanding for longer response times due to the weather.”
PETA
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals encourages pet owners to keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. “Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks. Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During cold weather, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.”
The organization encourages pet owners to wipe off their legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make them sick if ingested.
Pet owners should also increase animals' food rations during cold weather because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
