By Kim Jones
The Dolores Fire Protection District
Temperatures in our Four Corners area are warming up some this week, thank goodness, but we still have plenty of winter left.
The Dolores Fire Department has been called out several times during our cold weather for carbon monoxide alarms. It is important to remember to check and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least twice a year. A good way to try to remember is when the time changes in the fall and spring, replace batteries! If your detectors are beeping at you, don’t assume it’s just battery issues – safely remove all people from residence into fresh air and never hesitate to call 911. Our department has meters that can measure the amount of gas and can figure out if its a leak or faulty detector. This can make the difference between life and death.
Important things to remember during cold weather:
Make sure all stove pipes and chimneys are clean and free of creosote and debris.
Be sure when storing ashes after cleaning out stoves to store contents in a metal container, and place on a non flammable surface and place away from residence.
If you are experiencing signs or symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning such as headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision or even loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be especially dangerous for people who are sleeping or are intoxicated. People may have irreversible brain damage or even die before anyone realizes there is a problem.
Warning signs can be subtle, but the condition is a life threatening medical emergency. If you think you or someone your with may have carbon monoxide poisoning, get into fresh air and seek emergency medical care.
Remember, four-wheel drive does not make you invincible in ice, snow or slush. Allow yourself extra time to get to your destination safely, never follow to closely to the vehicle in front of you. They may loose control or brake suddenly and on ice it will be difficult to stop or control your own vehicle to avoid an accident.
Always carry an extra blanket, coat, hat and gloves in your vehicle. Always carry a flashlight. Another suggestion is to safely store a box of kitty litter or sand in your vehicle to help get you unstuck if necessary.
Dolores Fire has received a Colorado State EMS Provider grant for a new ambulance. I’m sure some of you have seen our new red ambulance responding to calls. We have had it in service for several months and are very pleased with your new vehicle.
We have also received a DOLA grant for a new E1 pumper firetruck, and have also had the truck in service, and have used it on several calls.
