Dunlap first responders address road conditions after winter storm

DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) — Some roads are starting to clear up in our area, while others are still frozen solid.

This has caused some problems for drivers and local first responders.

Chief of Dunlap Police, Randy Phillips said, “We don’t get a lot of snow anymore, and now that we did get quite a bit, people think they know how to drive on it… and are having a really hard time with it. And the more people that are out, even though we’ve asked them to try to stay off the roads, the more people out driving on it are making the roads worse.”

Cold temperatures have caused slick roads and hazardous conditions for many in the Sequatchie Valley.

First responders have had extra difficulty reaching people due to icy residential roads.

Puckett EMS TN/ N. GA first responders and Dunlap firefighters respond to home on West Valley Road. Responders faced difficulty going up the hill due to slick roads. Picture courtesy of Lt. Christopher Walker with the Dunlap Fire Department.

“Even though TDOT, the Highway Department, and the street department here in the city are working hard trying to clear the streets, it’s making it very difficult for them because all the snow has been mashed down into ice and they’re having a hard time getting the streets cleared,” Phillips said.

Although it has been advised to stay home, some drivers have made the trek through treacherous roads.

Dunlap firefighters responded with Puckett EMS TN / N.GA to a residence off of West Valley Road after the winter blast.

Due to the road conditions of the hill, the ambulance could not make it up to the house.

Responders faced difficulty going up the hill due to slick roads. Picture courtesy of Lt. Christopher Walker with the Dunlap Fire Department.

Lieutenant Christopher Walker with the Dunlap Fire Department said, “The more people get out on these icy roads, it compacts it… Makes it hard for the plows to get it scraped off the road. Even in a 4-wheel drive vehicle, with our rescue yesterday, we were sliding. Just because you have 4-wheel drive doesn’t make it easier to drive on ice. You’ve got four wheels spinning instead of two.”

Officers encourage folks to stay home if at all possible while they work on getting streets and clearances in the area.

“Keep in mind that we’re going to have an extended delayed response. The heavy trucks that we drive, we can’t build up enough speed to get up hills… We had several fire departments involved in a rescue in Van Buren County the other night, and it was -11 degrees on the bluff. So just keep in mind that we’re going to be out there, but it’s going to take some time… a little bit longer than usual to do what we have to do,” Walker explained.

If you have to leave, Chief Phillips said to take note of the following:

“If you do have to be out, if it’s an emergency situation where you have to be out, make sure you have adequate clothing, maybe some snacks in the vehicle, some water. Maybe even some blankets just in case you do run off the road. Because we do have a lot of vehicles still off the sides of the road.”

In addition to supplies, Lt. Walker made note of additional heating concerns as temperatures continue to drop.

“A lot of people are having issues with their heat going out right now, just keep in mind if you’re using a space heater, make sure you’ve got enough room around the space heater, there’s nothing blocked up against it, no clothing or anything like that. Don’t overload your outlets, don’t create a short in an outlet or anything. Because that’s going to create a bad situation where we’re going to be there, and it’s not going to be quick,” Walker said.

Puckett EMS TN/ N. GA first responders and Dunlap firefighters respond to home on West Valley Road. Responders faced difficulty going up the hill due to slick roads. Picture courtesy of Lt. Christopher Walker with the Dunlap Fire Department.

The City of Dunlap also issued a statement online concerning frozen pipes in the area:

“Our water system field crew have been responding to numerous residents to shut off water meters due to frozen pipes in their homes. Allowing your faucets to drip and opening cabinet doors under sinks can reduce the risk of your pipes freezing. Also helpful is to ensure your water meter lid remains on the meter box. Temperatures are expected to continue to be below freezing through the weekend,” according to the City of Dunlap TN on Facebook.