01/28/2026
An important reminder from Fort Ann Fire!
If there is a fire hydrant in front of your home, please remember to keep at least 3 feet of clearance around it so firefighters can access it quickly during an emergency. If you’re unable to do this yourself, we encourage you to ask a neighbor for help.
It’s also important to keep sidewalks in front of your home clear of snow and ice. This not only helps fire and EMS crews access homes more easily during emergencies, but also ensures a safe, clear path for our neighbors—especially school children.
When everyone does their part, we strengthen what truly makes a community: neighbors helping neighbors for the common good of all.
🚨 Cold Weather Safety Reminder from Fort Ann Fire 🚨
As we move deeper into the heating season and continue to experience prolonged cold temperatures, Fort Ann Fire would like to remind our community of several important safety concerns that increase this time of year. Many winter emergencies are preventable with a little awareness and preparation.
🔥 Chimneys & Heating Systems
If you burn wood, pellets, or use any solid-fuel appliance, mid-season chimney maintenance is critical. Creosote buildup can occur faster than many people realize, especially during periods of heavy use. Even if your chimney was cleaned earlier in the season, it would not hurt to have it inspected, swept, and cleaned again to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Ensure all heating system vents and exhaust pipes are clear of snow, ice, and debris. Blocked vents can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup inside the home. After snowstorms, take a moment to check outside and confirm all intake and exhaust pipes remain open.
☠️ Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and deadly. Make sure you have working CO and smoke detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. Test them regularly and replace batteries as needed. If an alarm activates, leave the home immediately and call 911.
🚿 Frozen Pipes & Thawing Hazards
If you experience frozen pipes, active thawing must be monitored at all times. Never leave heating devices unattended. Using open-flame torches or propane burners to thaw pipes is risky and not recommended—this is a leading cause of winter structure fires.
If salamanders, space heaters, or other temporary heating devices are being used in basements or utility spaces:
• Maintain proper ventilation
• Keep all flammable materials well clear
• Use active carbon monoxide and smoke monitoring
• Never leave heaters unattended
A frozen pipe can be repaired. A structure fire not so easy.
🏠 Home Visibility & Emergency Access
Ensure your house number is clearly visible from the roadway, day and night. During an emergency, responders must be able to locate your home quickly—seconds matter.
🚒 Fire Hydrant Access
If there is a fire hydrant near your property, please keep it clear of snow and ice with at least three feet of clearance on all sides. Buried hydrants delay fire suppression efforts and put lives and property at risk.
❄️ Final Reminder
Most winter emergencies don’t happen because of extreme conditions—they happen because of small oversights. A few minutes spent checking vents, cleaning chimneys, monitoring heaters, and clearing access points can prevent fires, carbon monoxide incidents, and major damage.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out. Fort Ann Fire, your neighbors are here for you.
Please share this message to help keep our neighbors safe this winter.
