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Independence County Judge Robert Griffin declares “Winter Weather Emergency” ahead next storm

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Independence County Judge Robert Griffin shared today that he declared a “Winter Weather Emergency” just before 10 a.m. Tuesday in preparation for the next round of winter weather.

I declared this to have the National Guard available to assist patient transportation provided by Vital Link. It was my understanding at least four ambulances were unable to navigate the deep snow in hilly terrain on transport calls,” Griffin said.

Independence County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator for Glen Willis requested National Guard Assistance through the Arkansas Office of Emergency Management (OEM). 

Willis said assistance should be a Guard Medical Unit using humvees to assist. 

Willis said that would probably consist of the guardsmen going to the area needing ambulance assistance, medically prepare those persons for transport, and taking the patient via Humvee back to the ambulance for transport to a hospital.

Willis said the county has requested the Guard’s assistance for Tuesday night through Monday and he expects to hear from the state OEM soon. 

Willis said the Guard unit will be put with the ambulance service to work out details of the implementing service.

A second Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the area now through Thursday according to the National Weather Service. The next round of winter weather is expected to bring dangerous wind chills, additional snowfall, and sleet.


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