As we dig out from another record-setting snowfall, emergency responders want you to keep one key word in mind for the safety of you and your family.
That word is ACCESS.
Belleville Fire Chief Dan Smith and I talked about it last night as people braced for the heaviest snowfall we have received in ages.
His advice was simple, but also vital in helping everyone get through this safely.
1. Make sure furnace vents are clear of snow. Buried vents can cause furnace malfunctions and carbon monoxide to enter the home.
2. Do your part, help out fire services by clearing snow around buried fire hydrants in your front yards.
If there is a fire today, one of the biggest challenges could be accessing the nearest fire hydrant or possibly the home itself if the driveway and sidewalk are blocked by snow or vehicles.
Your furnace vent also needs to be clear to have access to enough air to properly function. Without it, deadly and undetectable gas could flood your home.
So, when you shovel your driveway and walkway, take a few moments to clear off your hydrant.
When disaster strikes, seconds count, and a few minutes clearing away a hydrant can make all the difference if the snowfall isn’t the biggest problem you have to deal with today.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
