A Bargersville Fire Department official explained to wrtv.com recently how the severe cold affects firefighters, their equipment, and response times.
Equipment starts to break when it’s cold, the official said. The temperatures can freeze water supply and hoses. Fire apparatus fails. A 1,000-gallon water tank on a pumper does no good if the pump freezes, the official said.
Also, a firefighter’s turnout gear can become stiff and difficult to maneuver in, and become much heavier, the report said.
One issue affecting response times to emergencies is access, the official said. The official urges the public to keep driveways and sidewalks clear of snow so that firefighters don’t have that as an obstacle to providing care.
The department also warned about trying to walk on iced over ponds in the area.
“Please keep an eye on your kids. Many are outside enjoying the snow,” the department said in a Facebook post. “Make sure they stay clear of iced over ponds. They are very deceiving and inviting to play on. There is no such thing as safe ice in our area.”
