Millburn Fire Department Lists Top 5 Snow and Ice Safety Tips

While some hail December as “the most magical time of the year,” the Millburn Fire Department reminds residents to stay alert and follow these tips – the snowy season poses a variety of dangerous safety risks.

“The winter of 2013 to 2014 brought record-breaking temperatures and snowfall to the East Coast,” Millburn Fire Chief J. Michael Roberts said. “Unfortunately, experts believe that the upcoming winter will have a similar theme, and we want to ensure that everyone in Millburn-Short Hills and the surrounding neighborhoods observes important safety guidelines.”

Can Police Fire Officials Spot Your House Number in an Emergency?

Make sure that house numbers are clearly visible from the street. Some properties have addresses displayed on decorative stones, staked signs, or other low areas on front lawns, and these can be easily obscured during snowy weather. This can make it difficult for police, fire, and medical responders to find the right home quickly in an emergency situation. 


Shovel Out Fire Hydrants

Keep fire hydrants clear of ice and snow at all times so that they can be easily accessed when needed. This is required by ordinance, but some private snowplow operators may be unaware of this, and it’s easy for hydrants to be buried during snow removal operations.

“Residents are also reminded that excessive landscaping and vegetation should not placed near hydrants,” Fire Chief Roberts added. “During heavy snows, Fire Department personnel will go out to clear hydrants when necessary, and they can not be held responsible for vegetation that is damaged during this procedure. 
”

Drive Safely: 450 Highway Fatalities a Year Involve Ice

Take care to avoid accidents involving ice. Clear or “black” ice, which gets its name from its near invisibility on roads and paved areas, can be treacherous to both drivers and pedestrians. More than 450 highway fatalities are attributed to ice each year.

Step Lightly, Slip and Falls Can be Deadly

Even a slip and fall can be debilitating or deadly. Driveways and sidewalks should be cleared and sprinkled with ice melt, and residents should avoid frozen bodies of water, such as lakes and ponds, unless they have been officially approved and designated for ice skating.

Connect With Your Local Emergency Departments

“The Fire Department and other emergency personnel in the township are here 24 hours a day if anyone needs help,” said Chief Roberts. “However, so many disasters can be avoided by taking simple precautions, which is why our educational efforts are so important. On behalf of everyone at the Millburn Fire Department, we wish everyone a happy — and safe — holiday season.”

Millburn Police Department

435 Essex Street, Millburn

(973) 564-7001

Millburn Fire Department

459 Essex Street, Millburn and 315 Oak Ridge Road, Short Hills

973-564-7035