Winter Storm Safety Tips

Post Storm Safety Tasks

 

Now that the City has weather another “snow event”,  the Fire Department would like to remind folks that once the front steps and driveways are cleared,  take a few extra minutes and shovel out the other exterior doors from your home.  Remember that an important part of your home fire escape plan is knowing and practicing two ways out of the house. Don’t knowingly limit yourself to a single exit.  Fire will not give you a second chance.

Clear snow away your any heater vents.  Blocked vents will cause Carbon Monoxide (CO) to back up into the house. CO is a deadly colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. It is quite insidious as it mixes into the indoor atmosphere easily. Common symptoms  of CO Poisoning include:  headache, nausea, vomiting and disorientation.  These symptoms are often confused with the flu.  Working Carbon Monoxide detectors are our best defense. These detectors should be installed on every level of your home including the basement.  The detector will sound a series of 4 beeps continuously if CO is detected in the home.  If you are ever in doubt about noise coming from any detector in the house, call 911 immediately.  The Fire department doesn’t mind coming to check.  We are well equipped to deal with any emergency that might arise.

Finally, while your shovel is still in hand,  take a moment and clear the snow away from the neighborhood hydrant. The home you help to save,  may be your own.

Be Safe and enjoy the long holiday weekend.

 

END

 

DC Terence Francis, CFI

Fire Marshal

South Burlington Fire Department

575 Dorset St.

S. Burlington, VT 05403

802-846-4134

PRESS RELEASE: Firefighters Called to Kennedy Dr. Propane Leak

02/06/2014

PRESS RELEASE

 Firefighters Called to Kennedy Dr. Propane Leak

At 2:36 PM South Burlington Fire Department was called to the area of 125 Kennedy Dr., the Georgetown Condominiums,  for a reported gas leak. Arriving crews noted that the area had a pervasive smell of mercaptan,  an odorant use in both propane and natural gas. Firefighters identified the source of the leak from an underground propane tank, and quickly began evacuating the Chelsea House immediately adjacent to and downwind of the leaking tank. The complex  was cordoned off  to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The occupants of Chelsea House were moved to unaffected buildings in the complex. 

 

The underground tank’s valve housing had been badly damaged when a bucket loader pushing  back snow banks,  came in contact with the valve housing bonnet, dislodging the tank vent and tank fill piping. The 500 gallon underground tank owned by Pryrofax Gas, was full as it had been filled Wednesday afternoon.

 

Service technicians from Pyrofax were able to cap the broken lines and are burning off the remaining contents of the tank by means of a small controlled burn valve,  as this is the safest method to remove the remaining fuel. Propane is used in the complex for heating and hot water. Pyrofax will be installing a temporary gas system for the Chelsea House and occupants have been allowed to return to their homes. 

 

Firefighters remained on scene monitoring the situation and the adjacent buildings for any gas build up until the tank repair was completed at 4:36 PM. There were no injuries or property loss as a result of the leak. The department was assisted by Vermont Gas, Pyrofax Gas and South Burlington Police Department.

 

Propane (LPG)  is a manufactured gas that can be compressed to a liquid state and is delivered to storage tanks in this state. It has a boiling point of -44F and will easily boil off creating a combustible vapor that can be used to fuel heating systems, cooking appliance and alike. The vapor is heavier than air. As such the vapor will sink and travel along the ground and can accumulate in low area such as hollows or basements. It can be easily dispersed by wind currents or water fog from a fire department hose stream.

 

For further information please contact Deputy Chief T. Francis at 363-4565.

 

End

  DC Terence Francis, CFI
South Burlington Fire Department

VT DPS Press Release - Freezing Conditions Expected

Vermont Department of Public Safety

Press Release

January 6, 2014

2:30 p.m.

 

Contacts:

Stephanie Dasaro, VT State Police: 802-279-9773

Mark Bosma, VT DEMHS: 800-347-0488

 

 

Freezing conditions expected this afternoon

 

WATERBURY, VT – The National Weather Service says freezing conditions will return this afternoon.  They say falling temperatures will cause moisture on roads, sidewalks, and other surfaces to re-freeze shortly before and during the evening commute.

 

The Vermont Department of Public Safety is encouraging drivers to exercise extreme caution this afternoon and evening as roads are likely to become icy as temperatures drop, creating hazardous driving conditions.  Drive slow, leave sufficient distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you to allow for safe braking distances.

 

The Vermont State Police are prepared to hold over troopers from day shift, or bring troopers on early, to respond to any increase in traffic-related incidents throughout the course of the evening.

 

Remember that each snowplow is a mobile work zone; please give equipment operators plenty of room to complete their task of treating and clearing the roadway for a safer commute to you destination. 

 

“The timing of these conditions couldn’t be worse,” VT Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn said.  “With so many cars on the road it is critical that motorists take it easy and drive appropriately for conditions – which are likely to change quickly.  If you don’t have to travel don’t, and if you do allow yourself extra time to get where you’re going so you can drive at a safe speed.”

 

Those who must travel this evening should also:

 

• Check road and weather conditions before leaving; visit www.511vt.com or call 511 for information.

• Avoid travel unless necessary and always allow yourself extra time to get to your destination.

• The single most important rule is to drive at a speed that matches the prevailing visibility, traffic, and road conditions. Posted speed limits are for dry, clear conditions only.

• Allow extra distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you to allow for greater breaking distances.

• Watch for and expect changing road conditions, ice, slush, pooling water, and other hazards can appear anywhere.

• Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition with snow tires and winter windshield wiper blades.

• Make sure your cell phone has a full charge.  You may have to call for help if you have an accident.

• If you do go off the road, ensure your tail pipe is free of snow or any other obstructions.  If your exhaust is blocked carbon monoxide (CO) will back up into your car. CO can cause serious illness or death.

PRESS RELEASE: Fire at Sheraton Injures Worker

South Burlington Fire Department

Office of the City Fire Marshal

575 Dorset St.

South Burlington, VT  05403

846-4134

For Immediate Release

December 23, 2013

Fire at Sheraton injures worker:

At 11:57 hrs. South Burlington fire Department responded to a 911 call for a report of a fire in room at the Sheraton. Firefighters arrived at 12:00 and found that the hotel staff had completed an orderly evacuation of the few remaining guests, and staff directed fire crews to the second floor of the South Champlain building, which is situated in the North wing of the complex.  When firefighters encountered moderate smoke conditions on the second floor and immediately struck a first alarm bringing all on duty firefighters in the City to the scene.

A male burn victim was found in the main lobby. The patient was identified as a subcontract worker involved with the remodeling project.  He was treated by firefighters and transported to Fletcher Allen by UVM Rescue with a South Burlington Firefighter/Paramedic providing advanced care during transport.

The building’s fire sprinkler system held the fire in check until firefighters arrived. The fire was contained to a single room on the second floor of the South Champlain building, which is currently under remodeling and unoccupied.  The second floor sustained moderate smoke and water damage. Fire crews finished overhaul operations at 13:30hrs.

The fire investigated by the South Burlington Fire Marshal’s Office. It was determined that the accidental fire was started when a propane torch ignited a piece of construction material, which was then brought into a bathroom for extinguishment. Unfortunately the room had combustible vapor present from flammable glue being used for a project. The room immediately burst into flames setting his clothing alight, injuring the worker.

Sheraton guests who were initially evacuated as a precaution, were allowed to return to their rooms once the fire was extinguished and the smoke removed from the building. No guests were injured during the event.

Damage is estimated at $30,000

For further information please contact Deputy Chief Francis at 846-4134.

END

Downed Powerline Safety - December 2013 Ice Storm

Please continue to report downed power line incidents to the power company (Green Mountain Power 1-888-835-4672). The weight of the ice buildup is taking its toll on tree branches throughout the city, making travel slow and challenging during the final Christmas rush. Falling branches and trees are causing numerous downed wire, and spot fire calls to the fire department. The potential danger to our citizens cannot be over stated as the threat of electrocution is very real.   Line dependent- Arching electrical wires may deliver a electrical shock of ten thousand volts or more at temperatures of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Arching wires can jump back or the side the span between telephone poles.


Fire apparatus and firefighters dressed in retro-reflective vests do our best to block the road and divert traffic (both pedestrian and automobile) away from the area. Please do not ignore the directions firefighters give you. Do not attempt to drive around apparatus blocking the road.   We want you to arrive at your destination safely and are not intentionally delaying your trip.

Stay safe, make it safe. 

DC Terence Francis, CFI
Fire Marshal
South Burlington Fire Department
575 Dorset St.
S. Burlington, VT 05403
802-846-4134

Severe Weather Alert

Attention South Burlington Residents

 

Icing Possible in Vermont this Weekend

 

Many areas of Vermont have seen a mixed back of snow, sleet, and freezing rain today, making travel challenging in some places.  The National Weather Service is calling for more icing today and throughout the weekend.

 

There is a likelihood of icing conditions in areas, but there is still much uncertainty about how much ice we could see and where it could fall.  However, most forecasts project the area of greatest impact to be northwestern Vermont including the Champlain Valley.  If there is a significant amount of icing it could lead to power outages and difficult travel conditions in affected areas.

 

Vermonters are encouraged to check forecasts often throughout the weekend and take appropriate steps should conditions deteriorate.

 

• Check in with your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or may be in need of assistance.
• Ensure your home has a sufficient supply of whatever you use as “fuel” to heat your home.
• Have extra items on hand in case you can’t leave your house for a while.
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • Battery powered radio
  • Water
  • Non-perishable foods
• Ask your town where the nearest warming shelter would be should it be needed.  Vermont 2-1-1 has a list of shelters when there are shelters open.

• If you see a downed power line, leave it alone – always treat power lines as if they are live.  A live wire can kill you.
• If clearing trees or limbs, make CERTAIN they are not in contact with a power line.  Trees and branches can conduct electricity and electrocute you on contact.
• Never run a generator indoors.  Ensure it is outside – far away from windows or any other area from which exhaust can vent back into a living area.  Carbon monoxide can cause injury or death.

• Have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home!
• Check the forecast before travelling and drive appropriately for conditions.

 

City of South Burlington Emergency Officials, State agencies, utilities, and other organizations like the Red Cross are watching the forecast and preparing for a response should the weather create a need for assistance in any community.

Holiday Safety Tips

Everyone loves to have the family over to enjoy these special days. Unfortunately, the holiday season has a high incidence for home fires. The events are generally caused by misuse of holiday decorations, candle use, and unattended cooking.   Here are some home safety tips to keep you and your family safe during the holidays.

Home Decorations:

 - Holiday Lighting:

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Never use lights intended for use inside your home, for exterior decorations.

 - Candle Care:

Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles. If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and have a glass globe, to prevent accidental contact with the flame. Place candles where they cannot be knocked down easily by humans or pets.

Christmas trees:

 Before bringing the tree into your home be sure to cut at lease 1 ½” off the base of the tree. This will allow the tree to draw water up to the needles.  Water your tree every day! This simple chore will help the tree stay fresh and supple.   If you can get a handful of needles by gently combing a branch with fore finger and thumb into your cupped hand, the tree is very dry.  Regardless of the date on the calendar, it’s time to take the tree out of the house and compost it.  Dry trees are veritable tinder boxes.

Cooking:

The kitchen is the heart of home especially on the holidays. Kids love to be involved in the preparation. However with all the cooks and distractions, the kitchen it may not be the safest place for them.

Children should keep kept at least three feet away from the stove, oven and food prep areas.   Set up a safe observation area where the children can watch and be involved in the conversations during the dinner preparation. Steam or splash from cooking vegetables, gravy, or hot beverages could cause serious burns. Knives on the edge of the counter can be knocked over. If you drop a knife don’t try to catch it, invariably you’ll grab the wrong end.

If you are cooking, stay in the kitchen so that you can keep an eye on the food. Distraction/inattention is the primary cause of kitchen fires.  Do not cook the turkey while you are out of the house visiting friends. Oven timing features can and do malfunction.

Be sure electric cords for electric knives, coffeemakers, hot plate and mixers are not dangling off the counter within reach of a small child.

Candles should only be lit or extinguished by children under direct hands-on supervision of an adult. All matches and lighters should be stored up high where child cannot reach them or in a locked cabinet Fire is very unforgiving. All fires start very small.

Happy Holidays.  Enjoy your families. Be safe, make it safe, and create some wonderful memories.

Deputy Chief Terence Francis, CFI

Fire Marshal