Watertown Fire Chief Urges Caution During the Blizzard of 2013

Watertown Fire Chief Mario Orangio asks residents to take caution and stay off the roads during the Blizzard of 2013. 

A snow emergency starts at noon Friday and remains in effect until further notice. For more information on the emergency click here.

"Residents are urged to remain in doors during the storm and should refrain from driving so that roads can remain clear for snow removal and emergency vehicles," Orangio said in an announcement. "The town asks that you be a good neighbor and to periodically check on elderly or incapacitated neighbors."

Residents can help the Fire Department by clearing snow from around fire hydrants on their street, Orangio said. 

Fire Lt. Thomas Thibaut, president of the firefighters union, urged people to lend a hand during the storm.

"Please consider helping a neighbor with amedical condition or who is elderly, by shoveling out a hydrant in front of their home. This act of kindness will benefit the entire neighborhood," Thibaut said.

Other safety precautions residents can take:

• If your home has high efficiency heating units with direct vent piping, please ensure that snow does not block these vents.  
• Check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly.  
• If there are downed wires in your neighborhood do not attempt to touch or move them as all wires should be assumed live which carries the threat of electrical injury.