Fire-Rescue department's Snow safety tips**Please shovel fire hyrant near your home**
Since we all are snow bounded by this snow storm the local county fire and rescue department has put out a reminder to all resident on basic safety.
With
the large snowfall that occurred, hydrants throughout state are covered
with snow. Local County Fire-Rescue asks that you take time to clear
the area around the fire hydrants and dry hydrants in your
neighborhood. Clearing the snow from around the hydrants will enable
fire and rescue personnel to access the hydrants quickly in the event
of an emergency.
To help reduce potential injuries from
slips and falls, clear the snow from sidewalks and driveways. This
will also provide a clear path should emergency crews need to access
your home.
Make sure your home address is visible from the road.
Snow should be cleared from around heat pumps to insure that they work properly.
As
snow begins to melt, storm drains may over flow. Take time to clear
the storm drains. As the snow begins to melt, the water will need
somewhere to go. Insuring that the drains are clear will help keep the
melting snow from accumulating and flooding the streets.
Roof
drains on commercial businesses, as well as storm drains on homes,
should be kept clear, as well, to allow the snow melt to run off the
roofs, reducing the potential weight of melting snow from accumulating
on your roof.
Intense exertion from shoveling snow,
combined with freezing cold can make your heart rate and blood pressure
soar, potentially leading to heart attacks and injuries. Local County
Fire-Rescue reminds residents that if you are going to shovel snow, be
careful to avoid exertion as cold weather puts extra strain on your
body, following the safety tips offered by Consumer Reports
Prepare
wisely. Dress in layers, and wear boots with slip-resistant soles. Use
a shovel with an S-shaped handle, which causes less flexing of the
spine. But consider using a snow thrower if you have back problems.
Use
good timing and technique. Try to shovel promptly, when the snow is
still light and powdery. Hold the shovel close to your body and push
rather than lift the snow whenever possible. If you must lift, use your
legs to raise and lower your upper body and the shovel, keeping your
back straight and feet apart.
Watch for warning signs.
If you feel pressure or pain in your chest, or discomfort spreading to
your shoulders, neck, jaw, arms, or back, call 9-1-1 immediately. If
you have a history of heart problems, the American College of Emergency
Physicians advises against shoveling.
Remember to stay hydrated while performing these physical tasks.
Take a look around your neighborhood, checking in on your neighbors, especially senior citizens or those who have special needs.
Listen
for up-to-date information from local media and emergency officials
including radio and television stations concerning road conditions,
winter storm watches and warnings, power outages.
Please
avoid driving in ice or snow storms. The best thing you can do is
simply stay home. If you must drive, have a full tank of fuel, pack a
blanket and keep your cell phone charged. Let someone know your route
of travel and stay on the main roads. Decide on a meeting place if your
family cannot return home because of road closures.
There are also other reminders that are necessary to help ensure the public’s safety during this unusually large snow fall:
Make certain all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly.
Keep space heaters at least three feet from other objects and never leave space heaters unattended.
During a power outage, use flashlights as lighting sources and avoid using lit candles.
Never use generators or gas grills inside the garage or residence as they produce deadly carbon monoxide gas.
Place fireplace ashes outside in a metal container with a secure lid that is at least 15 feet from a structure.
Stay safe and warm!!!
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