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Vidalia Fire Department

 

Vidalia Fire Department
Public Education Department
604 John Dale Drive - Vidalia, La. 71373
Phone (318) 336-6262
Captain Vanier



                                   


With the cold winter weather upon on us the Vidalia Fire Department would like to give you several safety tips to keep you prepared and safe.

POWER LINES DOWNED

Another common winter hazard is power lines being downed due to ice storms or high winds. Wires should always be considered LIVE AND DANGEROUS and must be avoided. Please notify the Fire Department and Commonwealth Edison immediately, and it will be handled from there.

HYPOTHERMIA

Winter not only brings snow, but also cold weather. Remember to dress appropriately, bundle up, but don’t overdue it. If you are going to be indoors, open up your coat to avoid overheating yourself. Hypothermia or low body temperature can be very serious. Warning signs include uncontrolled shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, and apparent exhaustion. If you can, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95 degrees F, immediately seek medical attention. Do not try to warm the person up too fast. Remove wet clothing, and wrap warm blankets between legs and under arms to start. Do not try to give any type of alcohol, coffee, or drugs. Cold weather can present a lot of problems. With a little planning, preparedness, and some common sense, we can all avoid many of these problems and try to enjoy the winter cold season.

 "WINTER STORMS… The Deceptive Killers"

Every year winter storms and severely cold temperatures give rise to weather-related emergencies. Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Everyone is potentially at risk, however the actual threat to you depends on your specific situation. Avoid overexertion during cold weather such as chopping wood , pushing a car, or walking long distances. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia. The cold weather can present serious problems. A little careful planning, preparedness and common sense can help prevent may of these problems and make your winter a lot safer.

STORMS WITH STRONG WINDS

Sometimes winter storms are accompanied by strong winds creating blizzard conditions, severe drifting, and dangerous wind chill. Strong winds and ice storms can knock down trees, utility poles, and power lines. Communications and power can be disrupted for days while utility companies work to repair the extensive damage. Even small accumulations of ice may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians.

SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN

Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground constitute sleet. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stock to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists. Rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as tires, cars and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.

EXTREME COLD

Extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm or is left in its wake. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. Infants and elderly people are most susceptible. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat. If your pipes freeze this winter, DO NOT use a propane torch to thaw them out! You could set your home on fire by accident! Thaw them out slowly, a hand held hair dryer works best.

WIND CHILL

Wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by combined effects of wind and cold. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Be aware that animals are also affected by wind chill.

FROSTBITE

Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by that tissue being frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of your nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly rewarm affected areas. If the person is showing sings of hypothermia, however, warm the body core before the extremities.

HYPOTHERMIA: LOW BODY TEMPERATURE

Warning signs - uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.

Detection - Take the person’s temperature. If below 95 degrees, immediately seek medical care (Call 911).

If medical care is not available, begin warming the person slowly. Warm the body core first. If needed use your own body heat to help. Get the person into dry clothing, and wrap them in a warm blanket covering the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee, or any HOT beverage or food; warm broth is better. Do not warm extremities (arms and legs) first! This drives the cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.

Prepare your car

  • Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
    • Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
    • Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
    • Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
    • Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
    • Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
    • Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
    • Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
    • Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
    • Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
    • Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
  • Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
  • Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
  • Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:
    • a shovel
    • windshield scraper and small broom
    • flashlight
    • battery powered radio
    • extra batteries
    • water
    • snack food
    • matches
    • extra hats, socks and mittens
    • First aid kit with pocket knife
    • Necessary medications
    • blanket(s)
    • tow chain or rope
    • road salt and sand
    • booster cables
    • emergency flares
    • fluorescent distress flag

How To Schedule Public Education Classes

To schedule public education classes for your business, organization, school, or group please contact the Vidalia Fire Department at (318) 336-6262 and ask to speak with Captain Vanier or Rhonda Paul.  Please try to call at least 30 days in advance to schedule a class if possible.  You can also email the Vidalia Fire Department Public Education Department by clicking the link at the top of the page.

Captain Vanier can come to your location or he can schedule the class room for use at the fire department.  The class room can hold up to 24 students comfortably.  Captain Vanier does use various types of multimedia for his presentations.  The presentations are done in a professional manner which include audience participation.