GEORGETOWN —Following the season’s first significant snowfall, Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department are reminding residents to clear snow away from hydrants to ensure firefighters can access them easily in the event of a fire.
“It is imperative that hydrants are cleared of snow, to make sure firefighters aren’t encumbered by digging a hydrant out in the event of a fire,” Chief Mitchell said. “Every second is critical in an emergency situation like a fire, and we want to ensure no time is lost should such a situation arise.”
The Georgetown Fire Department is asking residents to help clear snow from within 3 feet of hydrants to ensure firefighters can efficiently and effectively respond to emergencies.
Firefighters lose valuable time if they are forced to locate and dig out a fire hydrant buried in the snow when they arrive at the scene of a fire. Having a visible and accessible fire hydrant could be the difference in saving a home or a life in the event of a fire.
Chief Mitchell also offers the following safety tips following a winter storm from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:
- Check in on family, friends and neighbors living alone, especially the elderly, those with medical conditions and anyone who might need help.
- When shoveling, take frequent breaks to prevent overexertion.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by clearing exhaust vents from direct vent gas furnace systems.
- Test and maintain carbon monoxide detectors.
- To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, also clear snow from the areas around vehicle exhaust pipes before starting the vehicle.
- Avoid roof collapses by checking your roof and clearing snow that may have accumulated.
- While driving, watch out for children who may be playing in or near the street. Parents are encouraged to remind children to avoid playing in the street and be careful while playing outdoors.
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