SJRFD: Stay Safe During the State of Emergency

The St. John’s Regional Fire Department appreciates the efforts of all during the recent storm. Given the challenges faced and the challenges ahead, we offer the following safety tips to help keep you and your family safe during the next few days and always.

• Be sure to check your furnace, fireplace and/or fuel burning appliance. Snow accumulation around the vent/chimney could result in deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas leaking into your home or building. 
• Be aware to keep your mini-split and air exchanger vents open to prevent overheating or fire hazard.
• Everyone should know how to get out immediately if there is a fire. Plan and practice your escape plan before emergencies happen, especially if there is still an accumulation of snow around doors and windows.
• Portable generators should only be used outdoors and carefully located to ensure that exhaust fumes do not enter the home. Allow the generator to cool before refueling. Refuel the generator outside, following manufacturer’s instructions. Store fuel for the generator in approved containers outside the home.
• Snowblowers should only be started and left idling outdoors. Exhaust fumes from a snow blower are extremely hazardous and could result in deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas leaking into your home or building.
• Use only portable space heaters that have been designed for indoor use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Provide adequate ventilation by opening a window slightly while the heater is in use. Before refueling, turn off the heater, wait for it to cool and take the heater outside to refuel.
• While many kids and adults alike are enjoying the snow accumulation for making snow forts and hills for sliding, be snow-safe. Please do not build a fort with a roof or as a tunnel, as the snow could collapse with kids inside.
• Children should never play in or on street snow banks, as drivers, including our firefighters and City plow operators, may not know there are children on/in them.

And while many have been working hard to clear snow away from property, if/when possible, gather with neighbors to help clear snow away from nearby hydrants to alleviate the time necessary for firefighters to access water.