Durham deputies work to keep residents safe, warm

Throughout the night, deputies focused on highways and rural areas within the county. They were ready to assist if someone was stranded or in need of resources to stay warm.

Tuesday night, deputies were particularly vigilant about making sure people in the community were safe and, if not, pointing them to the appropriate resources and even transporting them if necessary.

In addition to welfare checks, Major Adam Clayton said deputies are briefed and told to look out for stranded or stalled vehicles or people who simply appear to be out in the cold with no place to go.

“Years ago, we had a situation in another county where a handicapped person was found dead in a vehicle and that really stuck with me over the years,” said Clayton.

Clayton said he does not want to have anything that extreme happen over the next several days.

As deputies are checking cars, if the vehicle is unoccupied the deputy will place yellow tape on the outside, alerting other law enforcement agencies and drivers that the vehicle has been checked.

Clayton said it is everyone’s responsibility to look out for people in need during cold nights, and to call if something concerns them.