Winter Safety Tips

Here in Southwestern Pennsylvania, we have been experiencing colder than average temperatures lately. Potentially, we will be responding to more furnace malfunctioning calls, CO calls, water break calls, wires down calls, in addition to our fire calls and vehicle crashes. Please take care and buckle up when responding to the fire station. We need you to arrive safely in order for us to do the job efficiently.

Some tips:

Dress in layers when responding and just in general during these extreme temperatures.

Put an extra pair of heavy socks and a tossle cap inside your bunker coat.

Carry an extra pair of gloves with you.

Rehab yourself in extended operations to prevent frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Check your battery fluid levels. Also, batteries tend to expire around the 5 yr. point. You may want to consider replacing your battery. Never attempt to jump start a frozen battery. You risk a battery explosion. Rather, remove it and bring it indoors to rewarm it, then jump it.

Make sure your anti freeze is at the appropriate level for the cold weather. Heck, have all of your fluids checked. Keep your gas tank full.

Fill your washer fluid with the better stuff to combat the ice and snow and keep it filled.

Make sure you have an ice scraper and brush handy in your car.

Keep a few blankets in the car, in case you get stranded and need to wait for a tow.

Keep the rock salt filled on the apparatus. (Not everyone shovels their walks).

When you arrive on scene, keep the pump circulating to prevent freezing. If possible, on the minor calls, use your support, (no water onboard) vehicles for extended outside scene times and for when a pumper is not really necessary.

Pay attention to our scbas in these extreme weather conditions. Some components may suffer adverse effects because of the cold.

At traffic incidents, set up enough room for safe work areas. Use flares and lights appropriately and try to position your vehicle as safe as possible. Put on those light and bright traffic vests! Stay visible. Stay alive! We need you for the next one.

Take care. Stay Smart and Be Safe!