How Lincoln first responders and utility workers endure dangerously cold temps
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Eastern Nebraska could see near blizzard conditions come Friday, and emergency responders are on standby to help as needed.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said its cruisers are built with four-wheel drive to keep from getting stuck in the snow.
And with wind chills potentially reaching negative double digits, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said deputies are supplied with winter coats, hats, gloves and emergency kits to keep themselves safe.
He said during crashes or standoffs in these conditions, deputies work with other agencies to rotate personnel on the scene and stay warm.
But with everyone bundled up, Houchin said it can make it more difficult to get to equipment like firearms and handcuffs.
“We have training in the wintertime so deputies can practice that, ’cause grabbing that stuff with gloves on is a lot different than it is with bare hands,” he said.
SEE ALSO: Lincoln declares snow emergency, parking ban before second winter storm this week
Safety is also a priority for Lincoln Fire & Rescue.
Battalion Chief Jim Bopp said when they go out in the snow and cold temperatures, firefighters wear extra layers and ice cleats to help with traction.
They’re also equipped with ice rescue suits in case a vehicle slides off the road into water.
“Unfortunately for us, the worst thing you can do is get wet, and we use water for a living,” Bopp said. “We try to keep them dry and warm as we can, rotate when we can, keep things plowed. We also put chains on the apparatus to help them get around, which slows us down, but it gets us through.”
SEE ALSO: Officials offer tips to keep kids safe before next round of winter weather hits Nebraska
Aside from first responders, Lincoln Electric System said it has crews ready to go in case of power outages.
Joe Cave, manager of the operation system department, said depending how bad an outage is, it can take several hours to get it fixed.
“Make sure you report your outage, either on our website or our LES power line 24/7 call line,” he said. “The more calls we get in for a certain event, the more likely we’ll be able to find the issue, troubleshoot it faster and get power restored.”
SEE ALSO: Tips to avoid frostbite and hypothermia as subzero temps hit Lincoln
Cave said if you’re power does go out, be prepared to keep yourself warm or find somewhere else to go.
Depending how bad the weather gets, response times could be delayed for law enforcement and LFR. But officials said in any emergency, you should still call 911.
