Video: Webster Co. Churches, Officers Help During Cold Weather

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WEBSTER COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The cold temperatures are tough on many people in the South – especially the elderly.

But how can those residents in rural counties get help?

Webster County emergency dispatchers say the cold weather keeps their phone lines busy, and they expect it to stay that way as the temperatures drop.

“They’re more than welcome to call here at the 911 center, and we will do everything that we possibly can to go help them, send help to them, whatever their need may be,” said Jimmy McLemore, Webster County 911 Director.

The influx in calls may be because there are no official shelters in Webster County, but local churches and police officers look out for their own.

“We do the very best that we can, and help as many people as we can, and that’s just the nature of small town America,” said Eupora Mayor Dan Burchfield.

Burchfield says several churches help with utility bills or meals.

Their police officers also do house checks year-round.

“When we are asked to come in and give a check on people, it can be an elderly neighbor who lives by themself, that’s perhaps on a fixed income, and maybe is not able to get out as much as they can because of perhaps a physical disability, lack of transportation,” Burchfield said.

Burchfield says they’re glad to help. It’s the neighborly thing to do.

“It’s not official,” Burchfield said. “This is what we’ve done for the longest time. We just try to take care of each other.”

And since it’s going to be extremely cold for the next few days, officials advise residents to stay inside to keep warm, have a phone closeby, and again, check on your neighbors to make sure they’re OK.