Westmont, Illinois - Date Issued: February 1, 2021
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.
“If a hydrant is clear of snow when the fire department arrives at the scene of a fire, then our crews can respond to the emergency immediately without losing time to first shovel a hydrant free of snow,” said Deputy Fire Chief Kevin O’Hare. “Our crews are digging out hydrants when we’re not responding to calls, but we will not be able to get to all of them. We ask residents to assist us with this effort. All help is appreciated.”
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
December is the peak time of year for home candle fires; the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Each year between 2012 and 2016, an average of 8,200 home candle fires were reported each year. More statistics on candle fires.
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, while nearly another half involved other known types of equipment like washer or dryer fans, and portable or stationary space heaters. More statistics on electrical fires.
For more information regarding fire safety, please contact the Westmont Fire Department at 630-981-6400.
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont
Communications Director/Public Information Officer
630-417-0280
lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
