JACKSON, Wyo. — With recent, significant snowfall in Teton County, residents should be aware of winter risk factors like sliding roofs, buried hydrants and dangerous driving conditions.
Here are a few things to stay on top of this season:
First, pay attention to roof vent pipes and stay diligent in checking them to ensure damage has not occurred after heavy snow slides off the roof. It’s important to make sure the vent is unobstructed by snow as it begins to accumulate. These vents remove toxic gases from the home and when snow slides off a roof, damage can often occur to these pipes. When snow skids from a roof, a heavy snow load can also damage gas regulators, which can cause dangerous gas leaks.
It is also important to have a heightened awareness of gas regulator locations and keep them protected and dug out from snow loads.
Another consideration during heavy snowfall is to “adopt a hydrant” in your neighborhood by shoveling a pathway and a three-foot work area around fire hydrants. Doing this will save valuable time for firefighters when they arrive at the scene of a fire.
Water supply is critical for fire department operations in the event of fire, the quicker they can access these hydrants, the better their fire suppression efforts.”
There are many other risk factors to be mindful of this time of year, including paying attention to road conditions and driving slowly after snow accumulation and making sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
For more information or questions, visit the Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Prevention page here or call 307-733-4732.
