Firefighting funds, weather preparations discussed by Brooke officials
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WELLSBURG -- The Brooke County Commission plans to meet with local fire chiefs to discuss state funds issued to the county for fire protection, while the deputy director of the county's emergency management agency offered some tips for dealing with this week's below freezing temperatures.
Commission President A.J. Thomas said Tuesday the commissioners want to hear from the Brooke County Fire Chiefs Association to learn how they may use about $80,000 received by the county for local fire departments.
County Commissioner Tom Diserio noted the funds come from allocations approved by the state Legislature at a special session in August.
Legislators agreed to allocate about $12 million from excess lottery funds to counties based on population and local levies serving the departments.
Thomas said for the state fire funds, "We have to account for every cent that's spent, like a grant."
He said the fire chiefs will be asked whether they want to use the money for needs specific to their departments or pool it to make collective purchases of equipment for all of the departments.
During Tuesday's commission meeting, it was noted the county's ambulance service handled a large number of calls over the last several days.
Jeff Luck, deputy director of the county's ambulance service, confirmed the agency responded to 100 calls on Thursday alone. Luck said the calls primarily involved medical emergencies and weren't weather-related.
But he offered some advice to residents as they contend with frigid temperatures wrought by a sub-zero wind chill factor.
Luck said in the event a power outage leaves a resident without heat, temporary shelters are available through the county's emergency management agency in Follansbee, Wellsburg and Bethany. Those needing it should call (304) 737-3660 for assistance.
He said residents can help to prevent their interior water lines from freezing by leaving their faucets on to a drip and opening cabinet doors to allow their home's heat to spread to lines under their sinks.
Luck noted the West Virginia Emergency Management Agency advises those who must drive to keep an emergency supply kit in their vehicles containing a cell phone charger, jumper cables, hats, gloves and other warm clothing, blankets, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, first aid materials, a flashlight, flares and sand that can be applied on snowy or icy surfaces when stuck on the side of a road.
The agency also warns everyone, especially those at risk of a heart attack, to avoid or greatly limit exposure to the cold. Such exposure can lead to hypothermia, symptoms of which include shivering, exhaustion and drowsiness, confusion and memory loss, fumbling hands and slurred speech.
A person suspected of suffering from hypothermia should be kept dry and wrapped in warm blankets, it was noted.
Luck said residents should check on elderly relatives or neighbors as well as pets.
In 2019, the county commission adopted an ordinance calling for owners of animals to adequately shelter them from inclement weather, wind and direct rays of the sun. Violators may be cited and when failing to correct the situation, fined. Animals found to be treated inhumanely may be seized by the county.
During the meeting, County Clerk Kimberly Barbetta announced board of equalization hearings for those with disputes over assessed property values will be held Feb. 1-16, with those involving oil and gas properties, which are assessed by the state, to be held Feb. 15.
Appointments are required for all hearings, and information can be obtained by calling (304) 737-3661.
The commissioners also lamented the death of John Snyder, a long-time Wellsburg businessman who operated a local gas station, auto repair shop and towing service.
Snyder, who was 65, died on Thursday.