Cold weather makes an already dangerous job even more difficult. If you work as a firefighter in an area that sees cold weather, these tips will help make your job safer and less strenuous during the winter season.
Prepare and Prepare Some More
When you’re a firefighter, preparation is everything. Every member on your team should have a gear bag stashed with a variety of different helpful cold weather items like:
Extra gloves, socks, hood, and sweatshirt so that you stay warm and dry on the job.
A good stocking cap to protect your ears from the cold.
An extra pair of boots that provide extra traction so that slipping on wet ice is prevented.
Energy bars for a quick source of usable calories.
In addition to this, every firefighter should make sure to have a few extra water bottles in their bag. Even though it’s cold outside, it’s still essential that you are hydrating yourself properly throughout the winter to prevent fatigue and dehydration.
Onsite Operations
Fire ground operations are a bit different when there is snow and ice on the ground, particularly because the presence of snow and ice makes it more difficult to properly assess a firefighting situation. Give a complete overview of the structure to all of the members on your team so that everyone has a good grip on the situation at hand.
Remember that heavy snow and ice on a building can harm a building’s structure even more when a fire is attacking it. When you’re onsite fighting a fire, watch for signs of structural stress early on. Keep in mind that areas that are experiencing extreme structural stress as a result of cold weather may fall quickly and without warning.
Deep snow and unsure footing on icy roads and pavement can rapidly increase how long it takes to get a situation under control. By being prepared and following these operational tips, you can greatly increase your chances for safety onsite.