Winter has settled in with record lows, dangerous wind chills and significant snowfall covering much of the nation. Unfortunately, how people respond to these weather events can result in house fires, automobile crashes, carbon monoxide poisonings and personal injuries.
Likewise, how you respond to incidents when the weather is a factor requires extra consideration to ensure your safety as well as those who’ve called for our help.
Statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association confirm what most of us know from our experience in the fire service: that house fires increase during the winter months. The majority of these fires are a result of food left on the stove, candles left near flammable items like decorations or curtains, or space heaters left unattended and close to flammable objects.
When we’re called to a winter house fire, we’re not just attacking the fire and smoke in the structure or searching for potential victims. We also have to be attuned to what’s happening as a result of snow, ice, freezing rain or wind. Snow accumulation on the house and tree limbs, ice that may already be surrounding the house or that will develop from flowing water, and low-hanging or downed wires can all impede our work.
Maintaining situational awareness is imperative. Pay attention to what’s going on around you on the scene, including with the structure and your crew. Proper ladder placement is critical in any incident, but when these harsh weather conditions come into play, we must be extra diligent. When possible get someone to heel the ladder for extra stability.
Road safety
Similarly, how people drive can be affected by the weather. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 24 percent of all vehicle crashes in the United States occur during rain, sleet, snow or fog, and the slick pavement it produces.
Keep this in mind when responding to the scene of a crash during bad weather: If the driver who you are on your way to assist had difficulty seeing due to fog, heavy rain or blowing snow, or hit black ice, you should expect to experience the same conditions. While it’s important to arrive to a scene quickly, it’s far more important that you arrive safely.
It’s also critical to be conscientious of how you and others around you are driving at all times. It’s common for motorists to become nervous behind the wheel in inclement weather.
That level of uneasiness only increases when they hear sirens or see lights behind them. Their reactions, such as stopping short in front of you or skidding into oncoming traffic, may result in another incident.
Drive appropriately for the weather conditions. And remember that driving defensively doesn’t mean driving aggressively.
Above all else, use your seat belts every time wheels roll. Whether you’re responding in your personal vehicle or department apparatus, it’s imperative that you buckle up. It’s that simple.
The bottom line: Stay alert, drive smart, be safe and stay warm.
