Snow surrounds the Kentucky Capitol, Jan. 8, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)
Six Kentuckians died as a result of the winter storm that hit the state earlier this month, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday.
Many of them, “if not most,” died from cardiac issues related to shoveling snow, Beshear said during his weekly press conference.
The deaths include a woman from Spencer County and five men from Breckenridge, Boone, Oldham and Franklin Counties, according to Beshear.
“We talk about a lot of things during these storms — we talk about staying off the roads, which is probably the most dangerous; we talk about generator safety, which, in the past, has taken a number of lives,” Beshear said. “We now need to really start talking about shoveling safety as we move forward with any other winter events.”
The Mayo Clinic Health System has these safety tips for shoveling snow:
- If you have a history of heart problems, talk to a health care provider first.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- Stay hydrated.
- Warm up before shoveling.
- Shovel while the snow is fresh.
- Take it slow and pace yourself.
- Lift with your legs and protect your back.
- Keep your phone handy in case you need to call 911 during an emergency.
“Wet snow can cause back injuries and it can cause heart attacks,” Beshear said. “And it can also make it harder or make it take longer for first responders to get to you if you have a medical emergency. We don’t want anybody to push themselves too hard. In addition to dressing warm and staying hydrated, we need people to shovel smaller amounts of snow and to take frequent breaks, even if you don’t think you need them.”
Many areas of the state still have snow coverings from the Jan. 5-11 storms. Some will get even more snow Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
Kentucky will also see “dangerously low temperatures” — as low as 0 degrees in some areas — until Wednesday next week.
“We need everyone out there to stay safe,” Beshear said. “Check on your older relatives, check on your neighbors. Make sure that you have plans to stay warm during this bitter cold.”
