Discussing firefighting funds – The Brooke County Commission has made plans to meet with the Brooke County Fire Chiefs Association to discuss potential uses of about $80,000 in state funds awarded to the county for fire protection. –Warren Scott
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 Emergency Management Agency offered some tips for dealing with below-freezing temperatures this week.
Commissioners want to hear from the Brooke County Fire Chiefs Association to find out how to use about $80,000 the county received for local fire departments, commission Chairman AJ Thomas said Tuesday.
County Commissioner Tom DeSerio noted the money comes from appropriations approved by the state Legislature in a special session in August.
Lawmakers agreed to allocate about $12 million in excess lottery money to counties based on population and local fees that serve the counties.
Thomas told state firefighting funds, “We have to account for every cent spent, like a grant.”
Fire chiefs will be asked if they want to use the money to meet their department's specific needs or pool it to make group purchases of equipment for all departments, he said.
During Tuesday's committee meeting, it was noted that the county's ambulance service has been handling a large number of calls over the past few days.
Jeff Luck, deputy director of the county's ambulance service, confirmed that the agency responded to 100 calls on Thursday alone. The calls were primarily related to medical emergencies and were not weather-related, Lack said.
But he offered some advice to residents as they face frigid temperatures caused by the sub-zero wind chill factor.
In the event of a power outage that leaves a resident without heat, temporary shelters are available through the county emergency management agency in Follansbee, Wellsburg and Bethany, Luck said. Those who need it should call (304) 737-3660 for assistance.
Residents can help prevent indoor water lines from freezing by leaving their faucets on drip mode and opening cabinet doors to allow the heat of their homes to spread to the lines under their sinks, he said.
Lack noted that the West Virginia Emergency Management Agency advises those who must drive to keep an emergency kit in their vehicle that contains a cell phone charger, jumper cables, hats, gloves and other warm clothing, blankets, bottled water, and unsalted snacks. Perishables, first. Auxiliary materials, flashlight, torches and sand can be placed on snowy or icy surfaces when stuck on the side of the 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, fatigue, drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, clammy hands, and slurred speech.
He pointed out that a person suspected of suffering from hypothermia should be kept dry and wrapped in warm blankets.
Lack said residents should check on their elderly relatives or neighbors as well as pets.
In 2019, the County Commission adopted an ordinance requiring animal owners to provide them with adequate shelter from inclement weather, wind and direct sunlight. Violators can be cited and fined for failing to correct the situation. Animals treated inhumanely may be confiscated by the county.
During the meeting, County Clerk Kimberly Barbetta announced that Board of Adjustment hearings for those with disputes over assessed property values will be held Feb. 1-16, with those for oil and gas properties, which are assessed by the state, being held in February. 15.
Appointments are required for all hearings, and information can be obtained by calling (304) 737-3661.
Commissioners also lamented the death of John Snyder, a longtime Wellsburg businessman who operated a local gas station, auto repair shop and towing service.
Snyder, who was 65, died Thursday.
