Gibson County Mayor speaks on hazardous roads

3 hours ago

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

A STATEMENT FROM THE COUNTY MAYOR, NELSON CUNNINGHAM

To the residents of Gibson County,

As you are aware, the winter storm that took place on Janaury 24 and Janaury 25 had multiple impacts to Gibson County. Please know that several county departments are actively working to mitigate these conditions and keep our community safe.

Due to hazardous road conditions across the county, we are strongly urging everyone to remain at home unless travel is absolutely necessary. Roadways are currently unsafe in many areas, and limiting travel will help protect you and allow emergency and maintenance crews to work more efficiently. The courthouse remains closed along with the Trenton & Humboldt Health Departments, Gibson County Memorial Library, Gibson County Office on Aging and Gibson County Archives.

The Gibson County Highway Department has been plowing/grading roads since Sunday. They are using four trucks with blades, three graders, one front–end loader and one backhoe to try to clear the roads. They have been over 362 miles of road at this point. We will continue this process throughout the coming days. The temperatures will play a vital role over the next few days in the clearing process.

Gibson County Emergency Management continues to monitor conditions while staying in contact with response agencies, utilities, TDOT and TEMA. A situational briefing was held late last week in anticipation of this weather event.

Gibson County EMS is coordinating with all of our first responders and volunteers to assist ambulances in reaching calls throughout the county. As you can imagine, an ambulance does not travel well on ice. Gibson County Fire continues to respond to calls throughout the county, with added challenges of fighting fires in such harsh temperatures. Gibson County Sheriff’s Department continues to respond and encourages residents to stay off the roads if at all possible.

The Maintenance Department for the county is working to ensure that county buildings are sound and heated with no water leaks. They are also working with the trustees of the Sheriff’s office to clear sidewalks and porches of snow and ice. Parking lots are more challenging to clear as there are large amounts of snow and ice on all county properties.

Your cooperation is essential. Staying off the roads not only reduces the risk of accidents, but also helps ensure that first responders and essential personnel can reach those who truly need assistance. Roads will melt during the day and refreeze at night, making them hazardous again.