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Attached is an outline we used for a quick winter operations class at work. I ran across this the other day and thought it would be appropriate to post now. \xa0The podcast is here for this topic as well. \xa0Feel free to add and use this as you see fit. If you have some great tips on operating in the winter, please share with everybody, as I'm sure we missed something that could be very useful.

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Water Supply--\xa0\xa0

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• Frozen Hydrants/Snowed In--make sure we have a shovel and insure that \xa0booster tank is full in case there is a delay in obtaining water supply.
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• Can thaw frozen FDC and hydrant connections with road flares or torches
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• Monitor ice forming from leaking water and carry salt for slippery surfaces
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• Identify alternate hydrant locations in the event that the closest hydrant is unable to be used.
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Apparatus Considerations

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• Use Jake Break/Exhaust breaks appropriately for the weather
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• Keep in mind the restrictions of chains, on the ambulance, speed limits, etc.
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• \xa0Keep salt and or ice melt on the truck for slippery surfaces and for truck tires
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• We are draining pumps
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• Use recirculating valve when sitting on scene
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Hose Lines

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• Let nozzles bleed water when not in use during freezing temps
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• Try to direct draining water away and off of walking and driving surfaces
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• Hose may need to be taken back to house to thaw before repacking
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• Blow out hose reels
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Ladder Truck Operations

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• Be aware of snow banks and ices conditions when setting outriggers. Cannot\xa0short jack the side your working off of.
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• Think about ice and the possibility of the truck sliding if on grade and in use
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• Increasing ice load onto building and ground surfaces from water flow
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Ground Ladder Use

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• Rungs may become slick, three points of contact
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• Roof surfaces will be slick and dangerous. Guttering may be ice covering\xa0causing the ladder to slide laterally.
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• Lock in and use harnesses or ladder belts when working off of
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• Ground surfaces may be snow packed or ice covered making butting the\xa0ladder difficult and important. Getting proper working angle may be a\xa0challenge
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Service Calls

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• Ice and snow can cause electrical lines to break and come down. Be aware of\xa0surroundings. Trees may break causing the downed line.
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• No electric may mean no heat for vulnerable patients. Unapproved alternative\xa0heating methods may be used causing fires and CO emergencies.
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• Broken water mains may cause water supply issues during a fire.
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• \xa0Be familiar with relay pumping and make sure your booster tank is full.
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Chimney Fires

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• Consider best roof access, ice, snow, roof height and slope
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• Be aware of the condition of the chimney, use caution when working around\xa0the chimney, they can fail.
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• Be sure to check attic spaces and concealed spaces between floors for\xa0extension.
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• The fire box should be emptied to eliminate further heat and fire.
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• Avoid water in the chimney, it will crack the flue liner.
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• If dropping dry-chem bags or other extinguishing agents from the top,\xa0close fire box doors first.
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Winter Loads

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• Be aware of the loads being placed on a building by ice and snow.\xa0 The weight\xa0 coupled by fire attacking the structural members and the fire flow will increase\xa0likelihood of collapse and the collapse will happened faster.
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• Carports and large open span buildings are especially susceptible to collapse
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• Ice hanging off of structures can break loose and injure a firefighter.
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• Monitor\xa0conditions above us in regards to falling ice and snow sheets off of buildings.
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