Emergency Updates

During Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

• Stay indoors during the storm.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
• Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
• Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

Dress for the Weather

• If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat. A hat will prevent loss of body heat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

Stranded in a Vehicle

If a blizzard traps you in the car:

• Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
• Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close but is too far to walk to in deep snow.
• Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Exercise to maintain body heat but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
• Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
• Eat regularly and drink ample fluids to avoid dehydration but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs – the use of lights, heat, and radio – with supply.
• Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
• If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
• Leave the car and proceed on foot – if necessary – once the blizzard passes.

National Weather Service | Forecast Office – Jackson, KY

GoKY | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – Live Incident Map

Emergency Warming Station

Westcare Emergency Shelter, 172 Redale Road

Food and Resources

Chain of Love
644 Adams Road (606) 432-5614
Mon-Sat call in order, pick up by 1

Church of God Militant Pillar & Ground of Truth
117 Redale Rd,
They have a box outside of the church with nonperishable items

Cornerstone Christian Church
222 Hambley Blvd (606) 437-6725
They have a food giveaway every third Sunday
They have an emergency food pantry

East Kentucky Dream Center
127 Hibbard St
They have a meal giveaway Tuesday-Friday 11-2 pm

First Baptist Church
126 Fourth Street (606) 432-8113
They have a box outside the church, they have food pantry

First Christian Church
313 Chloe Road (606) 437-4527
They serve a meal/handout groceries on the last Tuesday 5:30-7

First Presbyterian Church
508 Cedar Creek Rd (606) 437-4578
They have a food pantry

First United Methodist Church
107 Main St (606) 437-7315
They have a food pantry
Breakfast (M-F, 8:30-10)

Grace Fellowship
115 Wolford Street
They serve a meal every Monday from 11-1

Jubilee Christian Assembly
1978 S Mayo Trail
They have a food pantry

Kentucky Career Center
606-789-2857
Sign up for unemployment

Pikeville Community Kitchen
Serves meals or gives away food once a month on Monday
More Information Here

Pikeville Freewill Baptist Church
494 Chloe Road 606-437-6543
They have a food pantry

Pikeville Police Station
Hamilton Lane, 111 Scott Ave, (606) 437-6236
They have a box outside of the station

Pikeville Wesleyan Church
347 Hambley Blvd (606) 432-5752
They have a box outside of their church

Thankful Hearts Food Pantry
437-6221 for food boxes

Westcare Emergency Shelter
173 Redale Rd, (606) 432-9442
They have a food pantry

Eastern Kentucky Red Cross

606-629-3344