Winter Weather Affects Fire Service Operations

 “Extreme weather conditions are becoming more common in more places in the country. These conditions can take a toll on not only the members who operate on the scene, but on the equipment that’s used as well,” writes Michael Daley in a recent issue of Firehouse Magazine. 

While winter weather is hopefully winding down across the United States and Canada, it is not too early to begin preparing for next year’s extreme cold temperatures and stormy winds. 

As we all know, freezing temperatures and high winds can onset very quickly. Response conditions can go from operational to dangerous in moments. How will you know? 

Weather conditions can impact response and on-scene considerations such as driving conditions, access to hydrants, and even fire behavior. 

“It’s advisable to stay tuned to the most up-to-date weather reports for your response area. There are many options for immediate weather conditions …” Daley suggests. 

There is no substitute for real-time meteorological data from an on-site weather station, whether right at the fire station, dispatch center, or even on the response apparatus. 

Columbia Weather Systems makes weather monitoring easy, so you can do your job better. Contact us to let us help you spec the weather station that is best for your operational requirements. 

------------------------------------- 

Daley, Michael. “Seasons Change: Preparing for Winter Operations on the Fireground.” Firehouse, December 2021, pp. 34-37.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CWS Attends HazMat Conference

Image
Last week the  Oregon State Fire Marshal ’s office held their Regional HazMat Emergency Response Team Conference. Nader and Martha were honored to attend.  Beginning in 2005, the OSFM has outfitted HazMat teams with portable and vehicle-mount weather stations from CWS.  The conference was held in Sunriver, Oregon Over the past few years, the teams have been upgraded to the latest Magellan MX weather stations with their new apparatus through Hughes Fire Equipment . In addition to immediate situational awareness, met data from the weather stations is integrated with PEAC software for plume modeling and incident reporting.  Having fun at the "HazMat Olympics" CWS President Nader Khoury with Aristatek rep Renée Soriano   BNSF Railway's HazMat trailer Aristatek rep Renée Soriano presented the PEAC software integration.   Justin Piper, of BNSF (CWS customer) presented on Rail Hazardous Material Response. A key point was Start Gathering Information: What are your wind and wea
Read more

New Heated Magellan MX™ Weather Station Models

Image
Does wintry weather affect the accuracy of your met instruments? Heated sensors can help prevent frozen precipitation from accumulating on weather equipment and causing faulty data. Heated all-in-one sensors are available for the Orion ™ and Pulsar ™ weather stations. Heated wind sensors and tipping bucket rain gauge are available for Capricorn FLX ™ Weather Stations. And now a heated option is also available for the Magellan MX ™ 600, 501, and 500 weather station models. The heating function allows these models to operate easily during snow and ice accumulation with a low power demand (nominally 9W). These Magellan MX models incorporate GPS readings, wind speed and direction, pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and compass. The MX501 adds solar radiation. Magellan MX600 adds rainfall. Visit our website or email info@columbiaweather.com for more information.
Read more

HazMat unit equipped with weather station and plume modeling responds to large chemical plant fire in Texas

Image
Recently, an explosion triggered a large fire at a chemical plant in Shepherd, Texas, sending massive plumes of black smoke into the sky. Authorities said flammable liquids, diesel, turpentine, and other toxic chemicals were involved in the fire. Multiple agencies responded including The Woodlands HazMat unit with their Orion Weather Station connected to CERES plume modeling software. Roads were closed and power outages were reported. Local residents were issued a shelter-in-place order being advised to turn off their HVAC, some schools were evacuated, and busses re-routed in San Jacinto and Polk counties. Only one person was reported injured. The Woodlands HazMat vehicle is from Pierce through the Siddons-Martin Emergency Group who provided the above photo. See the following links for additional details: Pierce Manufacturing Vehicle Specs Siddons-Martin Emergency Group Website
Read more