With a traditional Canadian winter happening, the Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind people of hazards and safety tips.
Director of Protective Services and Fire Chief Jason Williams spoke with Today’s Northumberland shortly after fire crews arrived back at the hall from what was a carbon monoxide alarm.
Williams said with the amount of snow that’s fallen this winter it’s important to clear the area around fire hydrants.
“Time matters in a emergency situation – especially with a fire response.”
For those that have homes within close proximity of a fire hydrant, it’s advisable to clear a one meter radius around the fire hydrant.
“It will allow firefighters to get quick access to it in the event of a emergency.”
Although the cause of the carbon monoxide going off was an issue with the furnace, Williams said that with the large amount of snow accumulating, it’s critical to make sure all vents to fuel burning appliances are cleared.
“That’s going to eliminate the hazard of potential carbon monoxide build-up in your home.”
Make sure you have proper working smoke alarms in your home.
“This year there have been a number of fatal fires throughout the Province and working smoke alarms save lives.”
Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services have been to several calls of dogs becoming stuck on the ice when they are off leash.
Williams says that no ice is safe ice.
With the large amount of ice build-up along the shoreline of Lake Ontario people are risking their lives.
“Whether it be on the river, or Lake Ontario – stay off the ice.”
“Right now due to the weather conditions and the moving water along the river and shore, the ice is not safe to be on.”
“We’ve had to perform a number of ice rescues this year to get folks off the ice or off of the river.”
When pets aren’t on a leash, they become trapped on the ice, and can lead to the owner trying to rescue it.
With the amount of snow and outdoor winter activity, Williams says it also provides an additional hazard.
Two firetrucks have been struck on Highway 401 and the heavy snowfall and reduced visibility can reduce response times.
“Our folks have to drive as quick as they can, but as safe as they can to emergency situations. Motor vehicle collisions are up. We’ve had activations of carbon monoxide alarms because of snow build-up.
We’ve had ice shelves that are potentially unsafe. So at this time of year while it is beautiful, it does render hazards that over the last couple of years we haven’t been used too.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
