From the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District:
PRESS RELEASE
Prospect Heights Fire District Increases Staff Due To Severe Weather
As of Saturday, January 4th at 6:00 P.M. the Prospect Heights Fire District has increased the on-duty staff to ensure it can respond to an incident without the immediate need for assistance from other neighboring communities. The increased staffing ensures an extra ambulance is available and that the fire district’s water tanker can respond to any fire, not just in those areas without fire hydrants.
According to Fire Chief Don Gould, “In deep snow fire hydrant access can be difficult and in extreme cold water mains may break or hydrant freeze making them not useable. The water tanker can improve response in these situation.” Also in cold weather the pump on a fire engine may freeze if water stored inside is not flowing out of a hose. Since many calls require extra personnel but not the fire pump additional staff responds in other fire vehicles as needed.
The fire district has long had a plan for these situations. In most years it must be activate this plan as they have done currently. So far there have been no fires or emergencies directly related to the severe weather. The fire chief recommends residents call 9-1-1 as soon as they recognize any problem and not wait as response time is already increased due to the severe weather.
Drew Smith
Deputy Chief, Prospect Heights Fire Protection District
From the Palatine Fire Department:
