Winter is here, which means it’s the time of year when people turn their heating systems on max and put their homes at risk of an accident. People working in an office may use space heaters and forget to turn them off or misuse the outlet, leading to hazards.
The winter offers a time to go over your necessary procedures and equipment. Learn how firefighters can prepare for the winter.
Review Procedures
Use the winter to brush up on your skills and procedures. Winter tends to present issues that may negatively affect professionals. For example, the city’s water supply may suffer blockages or potential freezing.
It’s important for firefighters to work with different agencies in the area to review what they would do in certain conditions so they can respond in a timely manner.
Acquire Additional Materials
Since your tools may become damaged due to the freezing temperatures of winter, you’ll want to ensure your department acquires additional supplies. This may include extra water appliances, shovels, and hoses. Also, be sure to drain your equipment after each use to prevent water from freezing.
Update Personal Equipment
When on duty, you may experience prolonged exposure to the cold; during the winter months, it can become an issue if you’re not using the proper equipment. Make sure you’re wearing garments that can keep you warm when you’re operating outdoors. Also, your personal equipment should be in top shape before you leave the department to ensure it can function at its best.
After each shift, be sure to analyze your equipment thoroughly to make sure it’s ready to go for next time. For example, your firefighter gloves should offer enough warmth to avoid conditions like hypothermia.
Following these tips on how firefighters can prepare for the winter can aid you and your department and keep everyone safe on the job, even while it’s frigid outside.
