KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Damp weather and below freezing temperatures led to at least three vehicle accidents yesterday around Kodiak. Deputy Fire Chief Jim Mullican says that the Kodiak City Fire Department responded to two of the accidents. He says those passengers were "okay," but that two were transported to the hospital as a precaution.
Icy roads come with the territory, but if you’re new to Kodiak you may not be familiar with the often dangerous driving conditions. Mullican says there are a few roads drivers should be especially careful on.
— (Icy Roads 1 :23 ‘Typically the roads from… because of black ice.")
Local tire changeover shops are reporting long waits.
— (Icy Roads 2 :08 "Looks like we’re booked… all the tires required now.")
All the local shops recommended that you make and appointment before going in to have your studded tires put on.
Mullican adds this piece of advice for drivers:
— (Icy Roads 3 :19 "Slow down… transit the area safely.")
Kodiak Island Borough School District Superintendent Stewart McDonald says that as winter weather kicks into gear, the school district has a set protocol to deal with it.
— (Icy Roads 4 :11 ‘Normally school do not… on the local radio stations."
If the district decides to cancel school due to weather, McDonald says that they will try to make that decision before 9 P.M. the previous night. If a message is unable to get to the radio stations, the school will also use an automatic calling system to inform parents of a cancellation. McDonald says that while the district will rarely cancel school, parents should also use their best judgment about whether it is safe to make the trip to school. He says students will have an excused absence if their parent decides the road conditions are not safe enough to travel to school.
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