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Perpare yourself for cold weather.
As a member of an Ohio fire department, our weather can be a study of extremes. We all know about the dangers of hot weather, Dehydration, Sun exposure, Heat stroke. It is pounded into our heads to increase water consumption, stay cool, and what-not. But what about winter, when the Mercury dropps below freezing. These temps can be just as dangerous.
These are a few tricks I have learned and pass on to my crews:
1) Do not over-dress, sweat is sweat, no matter what the ambient temps are outside, furthermore once you return to the cold exterior temperatures the sweat will cause your body to chill faster.
2) Pack heavy, keep extra clothing and gear in the truck. I keep an extra t-shirt, sweatshirt, extra nomex, and extra structural and extrication gloves. Also, socks are like gold when your feet are wet and its 10 degrees out.
3) I will almost always put nitrile exam gloves on under my structural or rescue gloves. Wet gloves suck but wet hands are worse.
4) Dont be a hero, have extra manpower ready.
5) If you are an engineer, invest in a set of traction aid devices for your boots, I use Stable-icers, they have replacable cleats and are easy to don.
6) Officers, make friends with the local DOT or county engineers, and use them, sand and salt are great to have at your disposal, not to mention a standby plow truck if you are in a rural like we are.
7) Finally be responsible for your health, stretch frequently, eat high carb- high calorie meals, and dont forget to drink water, I love coffee as much as anyone, but it has to be done.
If you have any other ideas to add or any thoughts please let me know. I am not an expert I am just going from experience!
Thanks.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sarah on
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Here in PA the weather gets pretty chilly during the winter.
Those tips were great, thank you!
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Permalink Reply by Capt. Chris W. Button on
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"I also added toilet paper and personal wipes for those extended scene times or mulitpul alarm fires."
Speaking of doing your business on scene. My brother told me about when he was a FF, he had to "water the bushes" at an extended fire. He was doing his thing at the edge of the bushes when he heard a man's voice behind him saying to his wife, "Well honey, where else is he supposed to go?"
As for the power bars, they are hard to eat when they get cold. I tried to keep one in the inside pocket of my turnout coat to keep it pliable.
I will say this though. For the most part I don't mind being cold. I don't mind being wet. I DO mind being cold AND wet. Anything I can do to take one or the other out of the equation is tops in my book. Spare everything, hand/foot warmers, thermals, anything you can get.
Also, depending on the sanity of the higher-ups and quality of uniforms, a modified/relaxed uniform policy might be in order. Departments tend to get uniforms from the lowest bidder and those items may not be the best quality for cold weather. Any chief worth his salt would make sure that the personnel have good uniform items or would understand that taking care of yourself is a must.
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Permalink Reply by Gregory Borg on
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Like those that the old people wear after the eye exam? ;}
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Permalink Reply by Avery Dale on
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Permalink Reply by Chris Weber on
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Tanker goggles work good too.Keep the wind off pretty good.
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I try to keep an extra set of clothes in my locker.I also keep a stocking cap in my pocket.The dressing in layers is a must.We get a lot of our winter weather off Lake Erie and it can go from sunny and 30 to snowy and 20 in no time.Drink lots of water too.It's almost easier to get dehydrated in the winter because you don't think about the wind and weather sucking the moisture out of you.
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