HOLLY SPRINGS — Marshall County officials activated an inclement weather policy early Saturday as a winter storm moved into the area, creating hazardous travel conditions and disrupting phone service at the sheriff’s office.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office said its inclement weather policy took effect around 1 a.m. Saturday and will remain in place until further notice. Under the policy, drivers involved in minor traffic accidents are asked not to call deputies to the scene if there are no injuries, no drugs or alcohol involved, and no wrecker is needed.
Instead, drivers should exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information and vehicle tag numbers, take photographs of the vehicles and arrange to meet at the sheriff’s office within 10 business days to file an accident report. Both drivers must bring their driver’s licenses, proof of insurance, vehicle registration and photos when filing the report.
The policy is intended to reduce travel for deputies and motorists during icy conditions while allowing law enforcement to focus on emergencies.
Compounding the situation, the sheriff’s office said Friday that its phone system is experiencing reliability issues because of problems with outside equipment maintained by a national phone provider. Officials said the office is working with the company to resolve the issue.
Until service is fully restored, residents are asked to call 911 for emergencies. For non-emergency matters, the sheriff’s office can be reached at (662) 252-1204 or (662) 252-2122.
Authorities urged residents to use caution during the storm and to avoid unnecessary travel while icy conditions persist.
