As we get our first large snow storm of the year here are some winter safety tips from the Brattleboro Fire Department;
Make sure you always have two separate exits out of your house and that are clear from snow or ice.
Be careful when shoveling snow. Over-exertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter.
If you have a fire hydrant near your home please help to keep it shoveled out.
Clear snow away from exhaust vents to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Be a good neighbor; Check on the elderly, relatives and neighbors who may need additional assistance to ensure their safety.
Make sure emergency generators or secondary heating systems are well ventilated.
Safely reduce the amount of snow on roofs. The stress caused by heavy wet snow can challenge the integrity of the structure.
Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them.
Do not touch anything that power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences. Call the fire department or your utility company to report any outage-related problem.
If you need any type of assistance or have questions or concerns feel free to contact the Brattleboro Fire Department at 254- 4831
