Crime & Safety

Plymouth Fire Department: Plymouth Fire Department Shares Safety Tips Ahead Of Expected Winter Storm

Chief G. Edward Bradley and the Plymouth Fire Department recommend that residents take the necessary safety precautions to prepare thems ...

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Press release from the Plymouth Fire Department:

Taylor O'Neil

2022-01-06

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January 6, 2022 by Taylor O'Neil

Chief G. Edward Bradley and the Plymouth Fire Department recommend that residents take the necessary safety precautions to prepare themselves for hazardous weather as the region prepares for the first potential major winter storm of the season. 

Chief G. Edward Bradley and the Plymouth Fire Department recommend that residents take the necessary safety precautions to prepare themselves for hazardous weather as the region prepares for the first potential major winter storm of the season. 

Typically, winter storms can bring snow, sleet and freezing rain. Blizzards can even occur when strong wind causes blowing snow and whiteout conditions, resulting in dangerous road conditions. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), weather-related crashes cause more than approximately 6,000 deaths and 480,000 injuries each year.

Typically, winter storms can bring snow, sleet and freezing rain. Blizzards can even occur when strong wind causes blowing snow and whiteout conditions, resulting in dangerous road conditions. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), weather-related crashes cause more than approximately 6,000 deaths and 480,000 injuries each year.

At this time, the National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting hazardous weather conditions with current snow accumulations forecast to reach 6-8 inches through Friday morning. In addition, the area is under a Winter Storm Warning from 1 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday. Gusty winds and isolated power outages are possible, as well as freezing roads. According to the NWS, travel may be difficult to impossible during the Friday morning commute. Visit weather.gov to see the forecast for Plymouth and the surrounding area.

Residents are reminded that the forecast can change quickly and at any point and they should monitor the local forecast throughout the day. Stay informed by receiving alerts, warnings, and public safety information before, during, and after emergencies. Residents can also listen to local area radio, NOAA Radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.

The Plymouth Fire Department wishes to share the following winter weather safety tips provided by NWS and Red Cross:

Before a Winter Storm

  • Keep handy a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, water-resistant boots, and extra blankets and warm clothing for each member of the household.
  • Learn how to protect pipes from freezing.
  • Be prepared to evacuate if you lose power or heat and know your routes and destinations. Find a local emergency shelter.
  • Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
  • Home fires are common each winter when trying to stay warm. Review ways to keep your home and loved ones safe.

    • During a Winter Storm

  • Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone.
  • If you must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards:
    • Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.
    • Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.
    • Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
    • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.
    • Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
    • Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries.
    • If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation if possible. About 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.
  • If you must drive during winter weather conditions:
    • Make sure all fluid levels are full and ensure that the lights, heater and windshield wipers are in proper condition. Ensure your tires have proper traction. Clear snow or ice from the roof of your vehicle, windows, lights and cameras.
    • Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
    • Avoid traveling alone. Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.
    • Be on the lookout for sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and dense fog, which can make driving very hazardous. If dangerous conditions are predicted, consider altering your travel plans.
    • Drive slowly and with vigilance. Don’t crowd any plows you may see and only pass when you’re able to safely do so.
    • Don’t leave the house without the following a fully charged mobile phone, car charger and an emergency supplies kit in your car. Ensure your kit includes additional layers of clothing and non-perishable food.
  • If your car gets stuck during a storm:
    • Stay in the vehicle. If you leave your vehicle, you will become disoriented quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.
    • Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat. While running the motor, open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid gas poisoning.
    • Be visible to rescuers. Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine. Tie a bright colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door. After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.

    • Generator Safety

    Chief Bradley would like to offer the following tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International to use your generator safely:

  • Do not overload the generator. Check and make sure cords are not getting warm as this can be an indication of overload.
  • Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty, outdoor rated extension cord. Make sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load and have three-pronged plugs. They should be inspected for damage, such as cuts and/or worn insulation before use.
  • Use extreme caution when running a cord into the building through windows, doors, or other openings to ensure cords are not crushed or damaged. The best option is to have the building wired with the proper equipment to provide power to the building.
  • Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
  • Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers, and away from fuel-burning appliances. Before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
  • A generator is a temporary power source. Use a generator only when necessary to power essential equipment or appliances.
  • Keep children away from portable generators at all times.

    • After a Winter Storm

  • Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

    • Residents are also asked to assist firefighters by clearing snow away from fire hydrants during and after the storm. To find the closest hydrant or storm drain to clear it, click here.

  • Clear away any snow and ice in the area surrounding these fire hydrants.
  • Clear the snow three feet all around the hydrant so firefighters have enough room to connect a hose.
  • Residents are also urged to look out for elderly or handicap neighbors by taking a few extra minutes to shovel out their hydrants if needed.

    • For additional winter storm safety information, visit NWS or the Red Cross. For any other questions on cold weather safety please visit weather.gov.

     

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    Filed Under: Plymouth Fire Tagged With: National eather Service, Plymouth Fire Department, winter storm

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    The mission of the Plymouth Fire Department is to protect the lives and property within America’s Hometown by reducing the effects of fire, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, special rescue emergencies, and disasters. Our department will provide a proactive, highly trained professional emergency service for the Town of Plymouth to conduct Fire Prevention, Code Enforcement, Fire Investigation, Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Treatment, Mitigation of Hazardous Materials Incidents, Specialized Rescue Response, and Public Fire Safety Education.

    We will strive do this with highest possible levels of economic efficiency for our public and safety for ourselves.

    January 6, 2022

    Chief G. Edward Bradley and the Plymouth Fire Department recommend that residents take the necessary safety precautions to prepare themselves for hazardous weather as the region prepares for the first potential major winter storm of the season. 

    November 24, 2021

    Chief G. Edward Bradley and the Plymouth Fire Department would like to provide safety tips to ensure residents stay safe while baking and preparing their holiday meals over the coming days and weeks.

    October 27, 2021

    Chief G. Edward Bradley and Emergency Management Director Christian Horvath report that town officials and emergency personnel are actively responding to calls for service during the Nor’easter storm.

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