Two Caddo Parish Men Dead as Ice Storm Grips Northwest Louisiana

It's the worst news you can read in relation to the devastating ice storm that has hit Northwest Louisiana and all of the Arklatex.

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In a release from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), we have discovered that this storm has claimed the lives of two men in Caddo Parish.

According to LDH, they've confirmed these deaths are winter storm-related. The two men died due to hypothermia, and their ages are unknown.

Both deaths were confirmed by the parish coroner as storm-related.

In a story from ktbs.com, we read that one of the deceased was discovered by the Shreveport Fire Department outside the old YWCA on Pierre Avenue and the second person was found in the 1500 block of Texas Street.

What this horrific story brings to mind are the inherent dangers of these extreme conditions. Because we deal with situations like this so infrequently, many might be unaware of some useful tips that could possibly prove to be life-saving.

Should you find yourself without power in a storm of this kind, consider the following:

• Dress in Layers: Wear loose-fitting, layered clothing, such as thermal wear, long underwear, sweaters, and hats (even while sleeping) to trap body heat.
• Contain Heat: Choose one room, preferably a smaller, insulated, or below-ground room, to live in and keep doors closed to other rooms.
• Block Drafts: Use blankets, towels, or rugs to block cracks under doors and windows.
• Use Insulating Materials: Use blankets, sleeping bags, and coats. If it is very cold, consider setting up a tent indoors to create a small, warm, trapped air space.
• Use Proper Heating Sources: Safely use a fireplace or wood stove if properly vented. Only use portable propane heaters designed for indoor use, and keep them 3 feet away from flammable items.
• Do Not Use Appliances for Heat: Never use a gas oven, gas range, or charcoal grill to heat your home, as they pose significant fire and carbon monoxide poisoning risks.
• Eat and Drink: Consume enough food to maintain energy and body fat, but avoid alcohol, which causes faster body heat loss.
• Stay Dry: Change out of wet clothing immediately to avoid rapid heat loss.
• Monitor for Hypothermia: Watch for symptoms like shivering, confusion, slurred speech, or lack of coordination.
• Check on Others: Check on elderly, young, or disabled neighbors or family members.
• Move to Safety: If you cannot keep your home, or at least one room, above 50 degrees, consider moving to a designated warming center or a friend's house.