Clear fire hydrants while you're shovelling, suggests fire department

The ice and snow that comes with the winter season can bring with it several safety hazards, says the St. John's Regional Fire Department.

During an interview on the St. John's Morning Show, Insp. Gary Power shared some measures people can take to ensure their homes and the family in them are safe.

Fire hydrants

While technically it is the responsibility of municipalities to keep fire hydrants clear of ice and snow, that isn't always possible.

Power suggests people make the extra effort to clear nearby hydrants, and don't just assume someone else will do it. He said if a hydrant is hidden by snow, it could take crews a few minutes to access it precious time during an emergency

"I mean let's face it, there's so many hydrants in a particular area that we definitely need the assistance of the public to help us with that," he said. "So when you're doing your driveway take a few extra minutes and clear that out."

Frozen pipes? Step away from the blowtorch

Another suggestion from the department is to keep open flames away from frozen pipes. Power said people will sometimes think they can hold a lighter or blow torch to a pipe to melt the ice something that comes with a number of safety risks.

He said not only do you risk catching something on fire, but usually pipes are in enclosed spaces which can be perfect for carbon monoxide poisoning. He said a hair dryer is a much better option, or buying special electrical tape that actually heats them up.

If that's not possible, then he suggests calling a plumber.

"The recommendation from the fire department for sure is to contact a certified plumber and have those folks come in and take care of it," he said.