All posts by Rusty Nixon

As Winter Approaches, Marshall County EMA Reminds all to Stay Safe

Posted on Author Rusty Nixon

After a warm and dry fall, this winter has a chance to sneak up on Marshall County and catch us off guard with a chance for flurries later this week. Here are a few reminders and tips to stay safe this winter!


•Have a Way to Receive Alerts


Extreme winter weather events can take us by surprise. Having a method of receiving alerts is critical to ensuring your safety. The Marshall County EMA highly encourages local residents to download the Marshall County App, which is available on Apple and Android devices. Once in the app, you can toggle on push notifications from the National Weather Service, EMA, and others. When an advisory, watch, or warning is issued, county app users will be notified.


Additionally, you can follow EMA on Facebook for forecasts and other safety messages. It is important to receive your weather alerts from viable sources, such as the National Weather Service or licensed meteorologists. Amateur meteorologists and bad actors love to post inaccurate or misleading information to gain more clicks and fame. For updated road conditions, Hoosiers can visit INDOT’s TrafficWise website, at 511in.org.


•Know Your Terms


Winter weather messaging can be confusing. There are several products the National Weather Service issues to alert us of incoming hazardous weather.


The most frequently-issued products include a Winter Weather Advisory, Winter Storm Watch, and Winter Storm Warning. An Advisory is issued for lower-level winter events. A Watch is issued in advance of a more significant winter event. A Warning is issued when confidence is high that a significant winter event will occur/is occurring.


Following the winter storm model, the National Weather Service also issues Cold Weather Advisories, Extreme Cold Watches, and Extreme Cold Warnings.

New this winter — Wind Chill Advisory/Watch/Warnings will no longer be issued. The cold weather products will be issued based on temperature or wind chill, and there will be no wind threshold. Wind or no wind, cold is cold.


Know the difference between different levels of travel advisories. A basic Travel Advisory means that routine travel or activities may be restricted because of hazardous situations. It urges people to use caution when navigating the roads. A Travel Watch means that conditions are threatening the safety of the public. Only essential travel is recommended during a Travel Watch.


A Travel Warning, also known as a “travel ban”, is issued when travel is restricted to emergency workers only. Do NOT endanger yourself, your neighbors, or first responders and stay off the roads during a Travel Warning.


The public can check the latest travel status by visiting in.gov/dhs/travel-advisory-map.


•Prepare Yourself for Freezing Temperatures


When temperatures and wind chills drop, dress appropriately by wearing multiple layers and covering as much skin as possible. Frostbite, hypothermia, and overexertion can cause medical emergencies and even death. Know the symptoms and be vigilant.


Consider placing additional items in your car for winter travel, including spare clothes, an ice scraper, food and water, a flashlight, jumper cables, and other materials needed in case your vehicle gets stranded for an extended period of time. Try to keep your gas tank full throughout the winter. Sand and kitty litter can be used to gain traction to get you back on the road if you slide off.


In your house, use insulation caulking, and weather stripping to not only keep the cold air out but also to save on energy bills. Keep pipes from freezing during extreme cold snaps by insulating your pipes, opening cabinet doors, and letting your faucets have a slow drip. Bring pets inside during extreme cold, or ensure they have a warm shelter outdoors.

Police Ramping up Patrols during Thanksgiving Travel Period

Posted on Author Rusty Nixon

While people get their Thanksgiving travel plans ready, the Marshall County Traffic Safety Partnership is getting ready to increase patrol visibility as part of the annual Safe Family Travel campaign.


The campaign, which starts November 16, focuses on impaired driving, aggressive driving, and proper use of seat belts. During the campaign, officers will work overtime conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols designed to discourage impaired driving and promote seat belt use. The high-visibility enforcement campaign is funded with grants provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).


“We’re anticipating another busy travel season this year, so for those sharing the road, remember; slow down, avoid distractions while driving, designate a sober driver, and buckle up,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “We want everyone to make it to their holiday events safely.”


According to NHTSA, alcohol-impaired driving has tragically become associated with Thanksgiving Eve, with some people turning it into a night of drinking. Drivers who intend on drinking that evening should plan ahead and secure a designated sober driver.


It is also important to wear a seat belt, put away distractions and follow posted speed limits. Travelers are encouraged to check road conditions before each trip and to leave with plenty of time to reach their destination safely.


“Whether you’re driving cross-country or across the street, it is essential that both drivers and passengers wear a seat belt, no matter the type of vehicle,” said Jim Bryan, ICJI’s Traffic Safety Director. “This Thanksgiving, and every day of the year, remember to buckle up.”


Motorists are encouraged to call 911 if they encounter an impaired or unsafe driver on the road.