Winter Safety Tips
The Thetford Fire Department wants to remind our community of some winter safety tips. Snowy weather can create emergency response issues when the snow banks at the ends of driveways are not pushed back. If you can't get your personal vehicle up your driveway, we won't be able to get fire apparatus up either. Please do sand and maintain your driveway so we can reach you quickly and efficiently in an emergency.
Address Signs - Please be sure your E911 address signs are visible from the road. Emergency response may be delayed due to address signs being buried in the snow. If your green address sign is hidden by the snow, please take a moment to dig it out so it can be seen. We want to be able to locate your home quickly in an emergency. If you do not have a green E911 address sign, please contact the fire department. Remember seconds count in an emergency… A well-marked home helps us find you quickly.
Driveway Access - If your driveway is not plowed well enough for your vehicle to make it to your residence, or if a heating oil or propane truck can’t fit in your driveway because it is too narrow with snow banks, this also means a fire truck can’t fit or make it up your driveway. Please think about the potential for emergency response and keep driveways accessible.
Fire Hydrants - As snow begins to pile up we also encourage property owners to clear snow at least 3 feet in all directions around fire hydrants near their property to ensure they are readily accessible in an emergency.
Heating Equipment and Chimneys - With the temperatures slated to be very cold over the next week, we would like to remind property owners to keep heating equipment vents clear of snow, chimneys clean, and all combustible materials at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – please make sure that all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries. Detectors should at a minimum be located on each level of your residence and detectors 10-years or older should be replaced.
Address Signs - Please be sure your E911 address signs are visible from the road. Emergency response may be delayed due to address signs being buried in the snow. If your green address sign is hidden by the snow, please take a moment to dig it out so it can be seen. We want to be able to locate your home quickly in an emergency. If you do not have a green E911 address sign, please contact the fire department. Remember seconds count in an emergency… A well-marked home helps us find you quickly.
Driveway Access - If your driveway is not plowed well enough for your vehicle to make it to your residence, or if a heating oil or propane truck can’t fit in your driveway because it is too narrow with snow banks, this also means a fire truck can’t fit or make it up your driveway. Please think about the potential for emergency response and keep driveways accessible.
Fire Hydrants - As snow begins to pile up we also encourage property owners to clear snow at least 3 feet in all directions around fire hydrants near their property to ensure they are readily accessible in an emergency.
Heating Equipment and Chimneys - With the temperatures slated to be very cold over the next week, we would like to remind property owners to keep heating equipment vents clear of snow, chimneys clean, and all combustible materials at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – please make sure that all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries. Detectors should at a minimum be located on each level of your residence and detectors 10-years or older should be replaced.