First responders prepare for all emergencies ahead of the holiday weekend

HICKORY COUNTY, Mo. – Four people were rescued in Hickory County at about 7 p.m. Tuesday when their canoes were swept down the Pomme de Terre River.

Central Hickory Fire Rescue is preparing for the possibility of more water rescues as storms roll through over the holiday weekend.

“Courtesy goes a long way whether you’re driving a vehicle or driving a boat,” said Sgt. Mike McClure with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

With it being a four-day weekend for many, McClure says the roads will at least be slightly less congested, but the water will be full.

“Especially if they’re planning on going out on Saturday,” said Central Hickory Fire Rescue Chief Jordan Graham. “Obviously, it’s fireworks that’s going to be at night. So you’ll have 5,000 boats on the water.”

First responders are preparing for everything from boat accidents to flash flooding.

“We do have reports of a lot of sustained injuries throughout holiday weekends and busy weekends where people are ejected up and then come back down in their seats and that causes some back injuries,” McClure said.

According to the OzarksFirst weather team, there’s going to be a chance for storms on the 4th of July.

“Keep an eye on the weather,” Graham said. “Look at the clouds. If they’re getting dark, obviously, it’s probably time to head back to your trailer or to one of the marinas.”

Not only do boaters need to be aware of their surroundings, but swimmers too.

“We’re humans. We’re not fish,” McClure said. “We’re not adapted to the water. So again, it comes back to the confidence versus competence. And if we introduce alcohol or other impairing chemical to that, then that’s more than one strike against you as a swimmer.”

Officials also ask that you do not set fireworks off from your boat and always keep a life jacket handy.

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