WQXE NEWS

Severe Weather Awareness Week continues in Kentucky through this Saturday, and with the wide range of conditions Kentucky can be subjected to it is best to make sure you are prepared for severe weather before it arrives.

Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane says severe storms may leave you without power or other utilities for a few days, so have supplies on hand.

“Think about having some canned food and a canned opener, if you need that,” Crane said. “Bottled water, at least a gallon per person per day, and don’t forget about your pets either. They need water as well. Batteries, and if you’ve got rechargeable devices, try to keep your phones charged up a decent amount, at least half or more, and invest in maybe a battery pack that you can charge your phone with. There’s some really good ones out there.”

Crane says flashlights and lanterns, battery operated or rechargeable, will likely come in handy.

“We kind of discourage candles just because of the open flame, and things like that can get knocked over easily, but if you use candles, just like we talk about during the holiday seasons, make sure it’s on a nice flat surface, away from where pets or children can knock it down, and at least about three feet away from anything that could catch fire,” Crane said.

When you are out collecting supplies ahead of the storm, don’t forget to stop by the pharmacy.

“Try to keep your medicines a few days ahead, that way if you are stuck at your house or there is a loss of power, you should have a few days of your medicine so you don’t get behind on those,” Crane said.

Visit the National Weather Service in Louisville’s website for more information on Severe Weather Awareness Week, and for more tips.

One person is dead after a fire in Hardin County Sunday.

West Hardin Fire and Rescue says shortly after 9 a.m. on March 1 fire crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire at a residence on the 50 block of Summit Baptist Church Road. Units arrived on scene at approximately 9:27 a.m. and upon arrival “encountered a double-wide manufactured home with approximately 50 percent of the structure involved in fire, with heavy flames visible from multiple sides of the residence.”

West Hardin says firefighters began an aggressive fire attack and began conducting search operations. Fire conditions initially limited interior access for crews. After conditions improved and crews were able to safely go further into the home, one victim was found inside of a closet in the residence. The fire was brought under control at 10:53 a.m. Units cleared the scene at 3:21 p.m.

The victim is not being identified at this time. The cause of the fire is under active investigation by the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office says foul play is not suspected at this time.

Drivers travelling along state roads should be on the lookout for crews treating vegetation.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews are getting ready to begin roadside treatments targeting invasive and harmful vegetation in order to prevent infrastructure damage and maintain roadway visibility.

According to the KYTC, the annual treatment minimizes erosion and damage to drainage systems while also protecting travelers by reducing unnatural roadside habitats that attract wildlife closer to traffic.

The KYTC is directed by state law to control several species of invasive plants and noxious weeds. Examples include spotted knapweed and canada thistle which can cause erosion by invading and destroying turf grass, invasive species such as kudzu which can smother native plants, and amur honeysuckle which can grow over 20 feet high and tends to attract white-tailed deer.

Kentuckians with private property adjacent to state-owned rights of way may request highway crews treat their property for state-targeted vegetation. Visit your KYTC district website for the application form.