Now that the cold weather has arrived, below are some tips to help maintain safe and efficient fire operations:

         1.  At working fires, test hydrants for frozen conditions prior to use.

         2.  Sprinkler and standpipe siamese may be frozen, examine before stretching a  supply line.

         3.  When hose lines are operated intermittently, leave the nozzle cracked open slightly to allow water to flow to prevent line freezing and other damage.

         4.  Use caution when moving and butting portable ladders on icy surfaces.

         5.  Have shovels ready on apparatus for use in digging out hydrants and for roof operations.

         6. Rotate members exposed to the elements while operating often.

         7. If operating for an extended period of time, leave the apparatus running to prevent problems with the diesel fuel and avoid having the booster tank water freeze.

        8.  Buildings will be sealed tightly during very cold periods. This may result in delays in reporting and locating these fires.

        9.  Apparatus should be operated cautiously on winter streets. Be ware of other vehicles skidding out of control into the apparatus or unable to safely yield to the apparatus.

       10. When a condition is found that will seriously hamper the fire operation, communicate this fact to the incident commander immediately.