Winter Storm Update: Breckenridge County Emergency Management

Winter Storm Update w/ Justin Frazier, Breckinridge County Emergency Management

[00:00] – Kevin Jaggers
94.3 The Wolf. Kevin Jaggers here. I know everyone across Wolf Country is keeping a close eye on the winter weather moving in. We’re currently under a winter storm advisory, and I wanted to check in with our listeners in Breckinridge County. On the phone with me is Justin Frazier, Emergency Management Director. Justin, you’ve got an update on how the county is preparing for this storm, right?

[00:27] – Justin Frazier
Good afternoon, Kevin. Ahead of the incoming winter storm, the Breckinridge County Judge/Executive has declared a state of emergency for the county. This was done proactively to support public safety and preparedness.

What this means for residents is that laws are not changing, and we’re not imposing restrictions. We’re simply encouraging people to take this storm seriously, prepare ahead of time, and avoid unnecessary travel—especially as conditions worsen.

Our county Red Cross coordinator is working with local community partners, including churches and community centers, to determine where and when warming centers may open, particularly if we experience major power outages. This declaration also helps with recovery. It allows the county, and any cities that also declare a state of emergency, to seek reimbursement for emergency protective measures through the state or federal government.

[01:36] – Kevin Jaggers
Justin, thank you for everything you and your team are doing. One question we hear a lot when snow starts falling is, “Where are the snow plows?” We’re also expecting extremely cold temperatures—possibly down to around one degree this weekend. A lot of folks hear that when it gets that cold, salt and brine aren’t as effective. Can you explain how that works?

[02:09] – Justin Frazier
That’s correct, and while I’m not a road construction expert, I speak regularly with both county and state road foremen. What they’ve explained is that chemicals like brine and treated salt work best when there’s a light layer of snow on the road. That’s why you often won’t see plow blades down until there’s about one to two inches of accumulation. Once that layer is there, the treatment reacts more effectively.

Many county roads in Breckinridge County have already been brined, particularly those that crews may not be able to reach quickly over the weekend. Starting tonight, both state and county road crews will be out with plows. If conditions worsen, graders may also be used, though they face the same hazards as other equipment, including sliding or getting stuck in severe conditions.

[03:15] – Kevin Jaggers
Justin Frazier with Breckinridge County Emergency Management. Thank you for everything you’re doing, and stay warm out there—it’s going to be cold.

Winter Storm Update