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Cabin fever is in full swing by the time February roles around but fire service activity has not slowed down.  During the winter months the fire department is often training on ice water rescue activities.  The number one issue with ice water rescue is the safety of the rescuers.  The entire rescue operation could be jeopardized if a responder becomes a victim.  Great care and attention to detail has to be given to have a successful operation.  The operation has to be well thought out and communicated with each member of the team, this is not a splash and dash operation.  Management of an ice water operation and strict adherence to protocols is essential.  All participants whether on shore or on the ice need to practice all exercised safety techniques and have the proper equipment.  Responders will need to go over checklists to make sure they are performing the correct tasks and have the right equipment when they get on the ice, there is little room for error.  Night rescues are even more dangerous due to lighting conditions.  On a large body of water lighting does not go far and lighting on the rescue equipment is limited.  Each member should be carrying a light, preferably one that is water proof.  In this type of operation, team work and communication is essential for a successful outcome.  The skills that are required are knowledge and use of ropes, specialized ice rescue equipment, communications including hand signals, patient recovery methods, patient care, team work, operation of specialized craft including launching and loading.  Each member of the team requires extensive training and check off of the task checklist to be a certified team member.

Don’t wait for the first flakes of snow to fall and winds howl before getting your home and vehicle ready for winter.

• A good rule of thumb should have a plan in place to know what to do for any emergency.

  ·        One of the greatest threats residents face in New York and throughout the Northeast is that of carbon monoxide poisoning from inefficient or faulty heating equipment.

  o   Have your heating systems checked now by professionals to ensure they are working as fuel-efficient and safe as possible throughout the winter heating season to avoid the perils of carbon monoxide poisoning.

  o   Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by such common items as home heating systems, obstructed chimneys and automotive exhaust. The gas can also be produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other cooking and heating items when used improperly during the winter months.

  ·        Have your fireplace examined by a professional, including their chimney flue to make sure there is no build-up of creosote which is a common cause of chimney fires.

  ·        Make sure that you have carbon monoxide; smoke and heat detectors properly installed in your home and test the batteries.

  ·        Motorists are advised to make sure their vehicles are stocked with survival gear such as blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, battery booster cables, some quick energy foods and a brightly-colored cloth to use as a distress flag in the event of a breakdown.

  ·        When a storm is forecast, ask yourself:  Do I really have to drive? If the answer is yes, give yourself extra time, plan your stops, clean all the snow off your car, be extra alert and always match your speed to road conditions.

  ·        Be aware of local weather conditions by listening to local television and radio stations or the NOAA Weather Radio and then plan activities accordingly. The best way to get emergency information is from NY-ALERT, the State’s all-hazards alert and notification system. To subscribe to this free service, visit www.nyalert.gov