Bad Weather Preparedness Discussed at Emergency Operations Meeting

This morning, there was a meeting held concerning the Emergency Operations for the City of Central.  Central Fire Chief Bill Porche led the meeting at the fire station on Sullivan Road, and representatives from the Mayor's office, City Services, and City Council were in attendance, along with Central Fire personnel.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather warning for East Baton Rouge Parish, an unusual event that is a cause for concern for city officials.  Central may or may not actually see much ice, as East Baton Rouge is on the line between areas that will see freezing rain and ice and areas that will just see rain.  The temperature is predicted to remain below freezing, likely through tomorrow morning.  The weather will likely get worse beginning around noon today. 

Should the roads become icy, driving conditions are the main concern, especially on bridges and overpasses, which tend to freeze first in cold weather.  If the weather starts to affect Central roads, City Services is prepared to handle it.  Roy Hutchinson with Central's City Services said that they have staff and sand ready should the roads become slippery with ice.  They will also have crews on standby all night for that purpose.

The Sheriff's Office had a staff meeting yesterday, and deputies will be prepared as needed to monitor roads and bridges.

School Superintendent Mike Faulk has a conference call scheduled today, during which it will likely be decided whether to cancel school for tomorrow.  The main concern is school buses, which are on the roads every morning when it is still dark.  The schools do not want to put busloads of children at risk if the roads are dark and icy and the danger can be avoided.  Information on school cancellations will be available either way once the decision has been made.

Please be cautious when driving, especially this evening and tomorrow morning.  Updates will be posted as they become available.