Starting on the left: State Representative Dave Hinson, Donald Luehr, Fire Chief Russ Hamilton &

Deputy Chief Don Zweifel.

Don has served on the Union Fire Department / Union Fire Protection District for 50 years as a volunteer. Don received 3 plaques, one from our State Representative Dave Hinson. We would like to thank Don for all of his years of service to our community.

The winter season will soon be upon us and the Union Fire Protection District wants its residents to take time to be prepared for severe winter conditions.  It is important to monitor news and weather stations to keep informed of approaching winter weather.  Some weather conditions include:

• Winter Storm Watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area within 12-48 hours.
• Winter Storm Warning indicates severe winter weather is in the area or expected immediately and can be life threatening.
• Ice Storm Warning is issued for ice accumulations of a quarter-inch or more.
• Blizzard Warning is issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
• Frost/Freeze Warning is issued when below freezing temperatures are expected.
• Freezing Rain is rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.
• Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground.

Residents can be prepared by:

• Creating a family emergency plan and creating an emergency kit with bottled water and canned and dried food that can be prepared without cooking in case of a power outage.
• Adding the following supplies to your disaster supply kit: rock salt to melt ice on walkways; sand to improve traction; snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
• Securing an alternate fuel source such as firewood or a generator. Make sure your fireplace functions properly. If you have a generator, make sure you have fuel and that it functions properly. Only operate the generator outdoors. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Creating a winter car kit in the trunk of the car. This includes: windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight, blanket, spare radio with batteries, snacks or energy-type food, water, jumper cables, flares and matches, shovel, sand or shingles to give tires traction, extra hats, socks and mittens, first aid kit, fluorescent distress flag.
• Learning how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside and take frequent breaks.
• Drive only if absolutely necessary. If you must drive, check the current and expected weather conditions and be sure your winter car kit is prepared in the event one becomes stranded.

 

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