Signs for essential workers popping up across town
Every year Modern Woodmen of America honors a hometown hero. This is someone in the community who puts effort into helping the town for the better, and because of the pandemic taking over everyone’s daily lives for the last year, Modern Woodmen couldn’t think of anyone better to honor than all essential workers.
Modern Woodmen is a financial services organization that is member-owned, and they provide financial services to members to protect their families and every day lives. They stress community impact and helping each other.
This is why Starkville’s Modern Woodmen of America chapter have been putting signs around town in front of businesses and emergency service providers that say “We Essential Workers.”
Barbara Coats, a registered financial representative at Modern Woodmen of America, gave some explanation on how this idea came to fruition.
While a lot of people recognize police as first responders, many do not realize the role they play in bad weather. Police are often able to be the first ones on the scene in a crisis, and with smaller, faster vehicles, they are incredibly important to getting to scenes first during bad weather.
If a tree is downed or a road suddenly closes, the police must be there regardless of the conditions to direct traffic.
Starkville Police Department Chief Mark Ballard said that SPD is prepared for this season of severe weather we are facing despite being down in numbers.
“We made it through the ice storm well and without any officer injuries or any damages to our vehicles which is great because we were not equipped to handle that kind of weather for that long,” Chief Ballard said. “I know we in Mississippi are more equipped to deal with severe weather like tornadoes so it comes down to making sure everything is charged and ready to go, and also we have to make sure the people here in Starkville have safe places to go. It’s a really important part of being involved with the community, and even though we could always use more officers, I’m proud of the team we have.”
Yesterday and last night show the start of the severe weather season, and it is important to be prepared for anything. Make sure you have an action plan in place and know your options when it comes to seeking shelter.