Green Country First Responders Extra Busy During Winter Weather

First responders are extra busy working in this wintry weather.

They are asking people to dress warm, drive safe, and take care of pets who can freeze too.

Relaxing 'snow days' aren't in a first responder's job description. In fact, they said wintry conditions pose a unique set of challenges.

There's nothing like cozying up by the fire with a hot cup of cocoa, peering out the window watching snow blanket the ground.

First responders, however, are watching through their windshield.

"The calls don't just stop because weather's not good," said Deputy Leighton Boyd, Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.

Tulsa County Deputy Leighton Boyd said working in winter weather is risky.

"It's very taxing. It slows everything down. You have to take, you know, breaks to heat up and if you're gonna be out on a scene for 3 or 4 hours that's miserable," said Boyd.

Boyd said if you see flashing lights, slow down and move over.

"Be mindful of us," said Boyd.

During a bad storm, first responders will wrap car mirrors in caution tape.

"Saying, 'Hey, there's no one in here,' said Boyd.

Boyd said during wintry storms, deputies see a lot of people locking themselves out.

If you have to leave the house, dress warm make sure and pack a blanket, water, and food in case you get stranded.

"It may be a while before someone gets there to help you," said Boyd.

Boyd said the roads tend to be a little rougher outside the city.

"Everything's got a limit. There's times where you go to a call where it's all snowy. You can't get up the driveway. So, you've just got to walk it," said Boyd.

Christopher Jenkins with EMSA said crews stock up on extra blankets heat packs for patients.

When loading patients onto stretchers, they must make sure they're kept warm and secure.

He said in addition to wrecks, they see a lot of cold exposure calls, slips, and falls, house fires and carbon monoxide calls from people trying to heat their homes.

EMSA has additional crews on standby.

"Our team is really, you know, hometown heroes. If we need them and there's something going on, we can get them to come in pretty easily," said Christopher Jenkins, EMSA Interim Chief of Operations.

First responders also have to layer up too and stay safe if they're going to help keep us safe.