Westmont, Illinois -- Date Issued: January 5, 2022
With more than 1300 fire hydrants in Westmont and only 14 crew members on duty and responding to emergencies, the Westmont Fire Department is asking residents to help them remove snow around hydrants. Ideally, all fire hydrants should be clear of snow with at least three feet of clearance on all sides as well as a snow-free path to the street.
“It’s important for our fire fighting crews to quickly access a fire hydrant when responding to a fire call,” said Westmont Fire Chief Steve Riley. “During the winter when there can be a sizable accumulation of snow, we ask residents to assist our emergency responders by making sure that nearby fire hydrants are snow free. We appreciate your help in keeping our community safe.”
WINTER SAFETY TIPS
Following are some winter safety tips that will help keep you and your family safe.
Heating
Heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires. Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires, figuring in two of every five fires. More statistics on heating fires.
Carbon Monoxide
Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc. do not burn completely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of CO. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months, and in residential properties. More statistics on carbon monoxide incidents.
Winter Storms
Most of the U.S. is at risk for winter storms, which can cause dangerous and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Blinding wind-driven snow, extreme cold, icy road conditions, downed trees and power lines can all wreak havoc on our daily schedules. Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths.
Generators
Portable generators are useful during power outages, however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. According to a 2013 Consumer Product Safety Commission report, half of the generator-related deaths happened in the four coldest months of the year, November through February, and portable generators were involved in the majority of carbon monoxide deaths involving engine-driven tools.
Candles
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compiled the following data over a five-year period from 2015 to 2019:
- Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in home fires.
- Roughly one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 35% of the associated deaths and 47% of the associated injuries.
- Falling asleep was a factor in 10% percent of the home candle fires and 12% of the associated deaths.
- On average, 20 home candle fires were reported per day.
- Three of every five home fires involving candles occurred when a combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
- Candle fires peak in December and January with 11 percent of candles fires in each of these months.
Electrical
- Electrical home fires are a leading cause of home fires in the U.S.
- Roughly half of all home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment.
- The majority of the remaining electrical fires involved other known types of equipment like washers, dryers, fans, and space heaters.
- The NFPA has more information and statistics regarding electrical fires on their website.
For more information regarding fire safety, please contact the Westmont Fire Department at 630-981-6400.
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