“The big thing is cold, really just getting out in the elements and having to deal with that,” said Chief Ricky Vaughan, Denton County ESD.
ARGYLE, Texas — Responding to emergencies is a routine that takes a team effort. “We do have to communicate and make sure everyone’s on the same page and prepared,” said Ricky Vaughan, Denton County Emergency Services District 1 Fire Chief.
With calls up 18% from last year, Chief Vaughan said they are taking no chances with the coming winter weather. The preparation for everything outside starts inside their fire station.
“Everything from making sure the pumps are ready, the generators, everything as far as anticipating whether it’s a power outage or just a water break,” said Chief Vaughan. “Just planning for all the hazards that come along with the freeze.”
That preparation also includes their gear. Firefighters wear about 70 lbs of gear not just for protection but also to help stay warm.
“The big thing is cold, really just getting out in the elements and having to deal with that,” said Chief Vaughan.
Zach Terry, a Firefighter EMT, and Tyler Carroll, a Firefighter Paramedic, showed WFAA their crews’ ice trekkers. It’s made up of pieces of metal connected to elastic. The trekkers are then put on the bottom of firefighters’ boots. “That just helps get some traction anywhere we need to go,” said Carroll.
This year, the team is trying new snow socks for the trucks. The socks fit over the tires and help with traction. “Typically, we use snow chains, but the snow chains cause damage to the road,” said Carroll.
Denton County ESD also uses recirculating valves to prevent their water pumps from freezing, which can be challenging during emergency responses.
Monday morning, Richardson Fire responded to a vehicle fire on U.S. Highway 75 at Spring Valley. Some of the water used froze and made the road slippery. Richardson Fire told WFAA that a crash that happened after the vehicle fire might have been caused by the ice.
“That little bit of water is all it takes,” said Vaughan. “It’s something we have to be very conscious about.”
That is why Chief Vaughan said it is a team effort that includes the public. He said one of the best things anyone can do during cold temperatures is to stay inside.
“Stay inside. If you don’t need to get out, don’t get out. I mean, because if you get out, that’s when bad things happen,” said Vaughan. He said staying inside helps them, help you.