Winter Storm Safety

It doesn’t take sub-zero temperatures or blizzard conditions to make winter dangerous.  Flurries and cold temperatures can create icy conditions hazardous to your home and the road.  Awareness, preparedness, and a strong dose of common sense will help keep you safe.

Start with your home

When thinking about winter preparedness, start with your home.  Blizzards and ice storms can cause power outages and immobilize towns and cities, therefore, delaying emergency response and repair.  It is recommended to have the following winter preparedness items on hand:

·         Extra blankets

·         A battery-powered flashlight and spare batteries

·         A portable radio

·         Canned or boxed non-perishable food

·         A manual can opener

·         At least three gallons of water for every person in the family and enough food and water for any family pets.

·         A warm coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant boots for every member of the household.

·         Make sure you consider and can accommodate any special needs of babies, the elderly and disabled family members, as well as family pets.

·         If you have a wood or coal stove or a space heater in the home, be aware of potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards; always keep a space heater at least three feet from anything that can burn like bedding, clothing and furniture, and don’t drape clothing over a space heater to dry.

Keep warm and dry in cold temperatures

Think twice before you head outdoors in cold weather conditions.  Dressing appropriately and keeping dry can prevent frostbite and hypothermia.  Consider the following:

·         Wear layers.  As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from the body more rapidly.  Wearing multiple layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothes with a layer of tightly woven and water repellent materials, will insulate better than one layer of heavy clothing.  Wear a hat, mittens and cover your mouth with a clean scarf to protect your lungs from the cold air.

·         Wear a pair of water-resistant or water proof boots with good traction.  Slip and fall accidents can easily happen, especially if you’re not wearing the correct footwear.  If you must wear dressier shoes, bring them along and change out of your boots when you get inside.

·         Keep your clothes dry.  If your clothes get wet, change out of them as soon as possible.

·         Drink plenty of liquids to help prevent dehydration.  When it is cold outside, people don’t drink as much because they don’t feel thirsty,  Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine though.  Alcohol, while it may give a feeling of warmth, actually increases the speed of heat loss in the body and caffeine can also hasten the effects of dehydration and lead to hypothermia.

Be prepared for outdoor activities

Winter activities like skiing and snowmobiling can be an adventure for the whole family.  Following a few simple rules can help make sure you don’t get lost or stuck in the cold.

·         Don’t go out alone.  It’s more fun and safer when a friend joins your winter weather fun.

·         Let others know your itinerary.  Tell friends and family members where you are going and when they should expect you to return.

·         Bring along the appropriate supplies.  If you are snowmobiling, make sure you are wearing the proper clothing and gear and bring extra tools and parts, like your owner’s manual, extra spark plugs, a tow rope, a small tool kit, a flashlight, a first aid kit, extra parts, a blanket, waterproof matches and a compass.

Take precautions with your car

Driving in bad weather is a challenge as roads can become slick after an afternoon of snow flurries and freezing temperatures.  One accident has a domino affect and can lead to more crashes.  Before the weather gets cold, get your vehicle ready for winter:

·         Get current with oil changes.  Oil can thicken when it gets colder, and oil that is too thick will not keep your engine properly lubricated. 

·         Be able to clear/clean windows.  Check the quality of your windshield wiper blades, fill-up on windshield washer fluid and keep an ice/snow scraper in your vehicle.

·         Check your battery.  The middle of a parking lot during a snowstorm is the last place you want to discover that your vehicle’s battery can not hold a charge.

·         Check your tire air pressure and tread depth.  Properly inflated tires with good tread will help provide the best possible traction, something that is easily jeopardized in wintry conditions.

Until next month, be safe!

Submitted by Captain Tony Orsini, Terryville Fire Department Health & Safety Officer

Source:  Foremost Insurance Group

THE HOME BEACON EMERGENCY LIGHT BULBS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS WHO RESIDE IN THE TOWN OF PLYMOUTH

The Terryville Fire Department was recently awarded a grant, through the generosity of the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc., that made it possible for the fire department to purchase Home Beacon emergency light bulbs for the senior citizens who reside in Plymouth, Terryville, or Pequabuck.  What is a Home Beacon emergency bulb?  The Home Beacon emergency bulb looks like an ordinary sixty-watt light bulb.  However, this bulb during a home emergency, either a police, medical, or a fire related incident, turns the homeowner’s porch light, lamp post light, etc. into a flashing emergency signal with just three flips of the light switch.  When activated, this flashing bulb will guide emergency responders to the door of the person(s) needing help – saving precious seconds.  The Home Beacon eliminates the need for responders to slow down trying to find addresses which may be hard to read, obscured by physical objects, or hidden due to poor weather conditions.  Once the Home Beacon is in the line of sight of the responders, the final hurdle of getting to an emergency is eliminated!  Maps can be put away, spotlights can be turned off, and there is no need to search any further, just drive to the flashing Home Beacon.  Vital seconds, even minutes can be saved when this final hurdle is no longer in the way of responders.  In the Town of Plymouth, there were 4,177 emergency 911 calls in 2008. 

How does a senior citizen acquire a Home Beacon emergency bulb?

Call Captain Tony Orsini, Terryville Fire Department Health and Safety Officer, at (860) 589-6684 to arrange a date and time when the Home Beacon emergency bulb may be delivered and/or installed. 

The mission of the Terryville Fire Department is to safeguard the lives and property and to enhance the quality of life of the residents of the Town of Plymouth.

Exposing an Invisible Killer:

The Dangers

 of Carbon Monoxide

The winter months are on the way.  As the outdoor temperature begins to drop, some families, struggling to pay their heating bills, may turn to the kitchen stove burners and the oven in an effort to take the chill out of their homes. What these families don’t realize is how dangerous this practice can be.  A gas oven or range top should never be used for heating a home.  A fire could start and poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) fumes could fill the dwelling.  Any fuel-burning heating equipment, such as furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, or wood or coal burning stoves can produce carbon monoxide.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) there is an increased risk of dying in a home fire during the winter season, while the U. S. Fire Administration claims that CO poisoning accounts for more than 500 lives each year in the United States. Also December, January, and February are the deadliest months for fire.

Often called a silent killer, CO is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels, such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, and oil, burn incompletely.

CO enters the body through breathing.  CO poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses.  Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headaches.

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning, but infants, pregnant women and people with physical conditions that limit their ability to use oxygen, such as emphysema or heart disease, can be more severely affected by low concentrations of CO than healthy adults.  High levels of CO can be fatal for anyone, causing death within minutes.

The goal of the Terryville Fire Department is:

1)      to help reduce the number of carbon monoxide incidents in the Town of Plymouth. 

2)      to encourage homeowners to install CO detectors to provide early warning of accumulating CO.

3)      to encourage homeowners to have heating equipment inspected by a professional every year before the cold weather sets in.

4)      to remind people that CO detectors are not substitutes for smoke detectors.  Know the difference between the sound of smoke detectors and CO detectors.

What action should you take if your carbon monoxide detector sounds?

If no one is feeling ill:

·         Dial 911 to call the fire department.

·         If possible, turn off all appliances and sources of combustion.

·         Evacuate all occupants.

·         If necessary, call a qualified professional to investigate / repair the source of possible CO.

If illness is a factor:

·         Evacuate all occupants immediately.

·         Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.

·         Dial 911 to call the fire department and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill and their symptoms.

·         Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO

The Terryville Fire Department wants everyone to be warm and safe this winter.  Make sure your home has carbon monoxide detectors.

Have a happy and safe holiday season!

Submitted by CaptainTony Orsini, Terryville Fire Department

Health & Safety Officer

Sources:  National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

               U. S. Fire Administration 

Stay Safe During

Severe Summer Weather

While severe weather can occur any time of the year, the peak severe weather season runs from late spring through the summer months.  So, now is a good time to review some weather safety rules.

Flash Flooding

Flash floods and floods are the number one weather killer across the United States.  If driving, DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS!  Even if it looks shallow enough to cross.  Roadways concealed by floodwaters may not be intact.  If caught outside, move to higher ground immediately!  Avoid small rivers and streams, low spots, culverts, or ravines.  Do not try to walk through flowing water more than ankle deep, as it only takes six inches of water to knock you off your feet.  Do not allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches, storm drains, or other flooded areas.

Thunderstorm Winds

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means 58 mile per hour winds or greater, or penny size hail or larger are expected.  Severe Thunderstorm winds can be stronger than most tornadoes across our area.  Damaging Severe Thunderstorm winds are more common than tornadoes, and can overturn mobile homes, tear roofs off of homes and buildings, and can uproot trees.  Therefore, it is important that you take shelter, preferably in a basement, and stay away from windows during a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

Tornado Safety

A Tornado Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when a tornado has been sighted, or indicated by Doppler  radar.  In a home or building, move to the basement and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.  If no basement is available, move to a small interior room away from windows on the lowest floor and get under something sturdy.  Mobile homes offer little protection from tornadoes.  You should leave a mobile home for more sturdy shelter.  Never try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead leave it immediately for safe shelter.  If no shelter is nearby, lie in a ditch with your head covered with your hands.  Do not seek shelter under a highway bridge or overpass.

Heat Safety

Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities.  In a normal year. About 175 Americans succumb to the demands of summer heat.  In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1976, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United Sates by the effects of heat and solar radiation.  To protect yourself from the dangers of heat this summer, follow these safety tips:

·         Slow down.  Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of day.

·         Dress for summer.  Lightweight light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

·         Put less fuel in your body.  Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.

·         Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.  Your body needs water to keep cool.

·         If possible, spend more time in air conditioned places.  Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces the danger from heat.  If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (especially during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.

·         Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of body heat loss much more difficult.

The thing about summer weather is that today the weather can be sunny with a high temperature in the 80’s and tomorrow the bottom can fall out of the sky and there will be flooding.  It is best to be prepared at all times.

Here are some additional severe weather tips to help you stay safe:

1.      Keep batteries and flashlights on hand.  Candles are a backup only.  They work but can tip over or are blown over by a strong wind and start a fire.  Stock all sizes of batteries and have enough flashlights for each member of your family.

2.      Have enough bottled water on hand.

3.      Maintain an adequate supply of food, including non-perishable food items.

4.      Keep a battery-operated radio nearby.  If the power goes out, you’ll need a way to get updates on the weather conditions and other emergency information.

5.      Keep cellular phones fully charged.

6.      Make sure your vehicles’ fuel tanks are full.  There could be an instance when you need to evacuate to some other shelter.  An emergency is not the time to start looking for a gasoline station.

7.      Create an emergency preparedness kit for severe weather.  Include water, blankets, dry clothes, flashlights, matches, canned food, a can opener, a first aid kit, and any other essentials you might need.  Refill all prescription medications if severe weather is in the forecast.  No one wants to be caught without their medication.

8.      Practice what you will do in case of a severe weather emergency.  Children, especially, will be frightened during any type of disaster evacuation.

9.      Have cash on hand.  It is a possibility that ATM machines will be inaccessible and you will need money.

10.  Use common sense.  Don’t travel if severe weather is in the forecast.  Get your supplies from the stores ahead of time.  Avoid the panic and large crowds in these places once the weather turns bad. 

Do not let severe weather catch you off guard.  Be prepared by following these suggested tips.

Until next month, be safe!!!

Submitted by Captain Tony Orsini, Terryville Fire Department

Health and Safety Officer

Source:   National Weather Service

WINTER / HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire.  The following are some safety tips that will help ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Safety Tips

Holiday decorating

·         Be careful with holiday decorations.  Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

·         Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.

·         Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory.  Some lights are for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.

·         Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.  Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

·         Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

·         Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Holiday entertaining

·         Test your smoke detectors and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

·         Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

·         Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.

·         Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.

·         Ask smokers to smoke outside.  Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.

·         Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers.  Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

Have a happy and safe holiday season!

Until next month, be safe!!

Submitted by CaptainTony Orsini, Terryville Fire Department

Health & Safety Officer

Source:  National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Winter Storm Safety

It doesn’t take sub-zero temperatures or blizzard conditions to make winter dangerous.  Flurries and cold temperatures can create icy conditions hazardous to your home and the road.  Awareness, preparedness, and a strong dose of common sense will help keep you safe.

Start with your home

When thinking about winter preparedness, start with your home.  Blizzards and ice storms can cause power outages and immobilize towns and cities, therefore, delaying emergency response and repair.  It is recommended to have the following winter preparedness items on hand:

·         Extra blankets

·         A battery-powered flashlight and spare batteries

·         A portable radio

·         Canned or boxed non-perishable food

·         A manual can opener

·         At least three gallons of water for every person in the family and enough food and water for any family pets.

·         A warm coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant boots for every member of the household.

·         Make sure you consider and can accommodate any special needs of babies, the elderly and disabled family members, as well as family pets.

·         If you have a wood or coal stove or a space heater in the home, be aware of potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards; always keep a space heater at least three feet from anything that can burn like bedding, clothing and furniture, and don’t drape clothing over a space heater to dry.

Keep warm and dry in cold temperatures

Think twice before you head outdoors in cold weather conditions.  Dressing appropriately and keeping dry can prevent frostbite and hypothermia.  Consider the following:

·         Wear layers.  As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from the body more rapidly.  Wearing multiple layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothes with a layer of tightly woven and water repellent materials, will insulate better than one layer of heavy clothing.  Wear a hat, mittens and cover your mouth with a clean scarf to protect your lungs from the cold air.

·         Wear a pair of water-resistant or water proof boots with good traction.  Slip and fall accidents can easily happen, especially if you’re not wearing the correct footwear.  If you must wear dressier shoes, bring them along and change out of your boots when you get inside.

·         Keep your clothes dry.  If your clothes get wet, change out of them as soon as possible.

·         Drink plenty of liquids to help prevent dehydration.  When it is cold outside, people don’t drink as much because they don’t feel thirsty,  Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine though.  Alcohol, while it may give a feeling of warmth, actually increases the speed of heat loss in the body and caffeine can also hasten the effects of dehydration and lead to hypothermia.

Be prepared for outdoor activities

Winter activities like skiing and snowmobiling can be an adventure for the whole family.  Following a few simple rules can help make sure you don’t get lost or stuck in the cold.

·         Don’t go out alone.  It’s more fun and safer when a friend joins your winter weather fun.

·         Let others know your itinerary.  Tell friends and family members where you are going and when they should expect you to return.

·         Bring along the appropriate supplies.  If you are snowmobiling, make sure you are wearing the proper clothing and gear and bring extra tools and parts, like your owner’s manual, extra spark plugs, a tow rope, a small tool kit, a flashlight, a first aid kit, extra parts, a blanket, waterproof matches and a compass.

Take precautions with your car

Driving in bad weather is a challenge as roads can become slick after an afternoon of snow flurries and freezing temperatures.  One accident has a domino affect and can lead to more crashes.  Before the weather gets cold, get your vehicle ready for winter:

·         Get current with oil changes.  Oil can thicken when it gets colder, and oil that is too thick will not keep your engine properly lubricated. 

·         Be able to clear/clean windows.  Check the quality of your windshield wiper blades, fill-up on windshield washer fluid and keep an ice/snow scraper in your vehicle.

·         Check your battery.  The middle of a parking lot during a snowstorm is the last place you want to discover that your vehicle’s battery can not hold a charge.

·         Check your tire air pressure and tread depth.  Properly inflated tires with good tread will help provide the best possible traction, something that is easily jeopardized in wintry conditions.

Until next month, be safe!

Submitted by Captain Tony Orsini, Terryville Fire Department Health & Safety Officer

Source:  Foremost Insurance Group

Winter Storms

The Deceptive Killers

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days.  Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community.  Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet, and freezing rain.

So what do you need to do?  Stay Informed.  Keep ahead of the storm by listening to your radio and/or television for the latest winter storm advisories, watches, and warnings.

What to listen for…

The National Weather Service issues outlooks, advisories, watches, and warnings for all winter weather hazards.  Here’s what they mean and what to do.

Outlook: Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2-5 days.  Stay tuned to local media for updates.

Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous.  If you are cautious these situations should not be life threatening.

Watch: Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36-48 hours.  Prepare now!

Warning: Life-threatening severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.  Act now!

Cold Weather

Exposure to cold weather can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening.  Infants and elderly people are most susceptible.  What constitutes extreme cold varies in different parts of the country.  For example, in the south, nearing freezing temperatures are considered extreme cold.  While in the north, extreme cold means temperatures well below zero.

What is wind chill?

Wind chill is not the actual air temperature, but rather how wind and cold feel on exposed skin.  As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at a faster rate, driving down the body temperature. 

What is frostbite?

Frostbite is damage to the body tissue caused by extreme cold.  A wind chill of -20° F (Fahrenheit) will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes.  Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose.  If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately!  If you must wait for help, slowly rewarm affected areas.  However, if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities. 

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F.  It can kill.  For those who survive, there are likely to be lasting kidney, liver, and pancreas problems.  Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, and apparent exhaustion.  Take the person’s temperature.  If below 95°F, seek medical care immediately!

If medical care is not available,

Warm the person slowly, starting with the body core.  Warming the arms and legs first drives cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.  If necessary, use your body heat to help warm the victim.  Get the person into dry clothing and wrap in a warm blanket covering the head and neck.  Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee or any hot beverages or food.  Warm broth is the first food to offer.

Be prepared for winter storms before the storm strikes

At home and work

Primary concerns are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.

Have available:

·         Flashlight and extra batteries

·         Battery powered portable radios to receive emergency information.  This may be your only link to the outside.

·         Extra food and water.  Have high energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.

·         Extra medicine and baby items.

·         First aid supplies.

·         Heating fuel.  Refuel before you are empty.  Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm.

·         Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood or coal stove, and space heaters

Use properly to prevent a fire

Ventilate properly

·         Emergency generator. 

·         Fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms

Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms monthly to make sure they work properly.

·         Make sure your pets are cared for.  Make sure pets have plenty of food, water, and shelter.

In vehicles

plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm.  Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.

Carry a winter storm survival kit:

·         Mobile phone and charger

·         Blankets

·         Flashlight with extra batteries

·         First aid kit

·         High calorie, nonperishable food

·         Sack of sand or cat litter for traction

·         Shovel

·         Windshield scraper and brush

·         Tool kit

·         Tow rope

·         Battery booster cable

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.

Dress for the season / storm

Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothes in layers.  Trapped air insulates.  Remove layers to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.  Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded.  Wear a hat.  Half your body heat loss can be from the head.  Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.  Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.  Try to stay dry.

Until next month be safe!

Submitted by Captain Tony Orsini, Terryville Fire Department Health & Safety Officer

Sources: U.S. Department of Commerce

                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

                National Weather Service  

                American Red Cross