With the almost flip-flop wearing warmth last week, ice dams are no longer a worry as roof tiles have emerged from under blankets of snow. Even a few patches of grass can be spotted here and there. With above freezing daytime temperatures continuing, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) has some advice for local residents and businesses: Be Ready for Melting.
Damaged Mailbox

“With the continued warm temperatures during the day, it’s imperative that people prepare for more melting snow and possible flooding,” says Michael Trick, Chief of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department. “A lot has melted already, but there’s much more to go – we will have just as much trouble finding somewhere for the water to go as we’ve had making room for all the snow. And, with freezing overnight temperatures, puddles that form during the day turn to ice vs. soak into the ground or run off.”

To prevent flooding in homes and offices, Trick recommends the following:

  • Make sure snow is cleared away from home and other building foundations; and
  • Make sure draining water has a way to escape low-lying and poorly-drained areas so it doesn’t enter buildings.
  • Test basement sump pumps to make sure they’re working.
  • Purchase a pump to safeguard homes/businesses and remove water less than two inches deep.

In the event water does enter a building, Trick advises residents and business to call the AVFD for help.

“If water is greater than two inches deep, presents a safety issue impacting furnaces, or otherwise indicates imminent danger, we urge people to call 911,” says Trick.

On roadways, specifically in neighborhoods, make sure snow and ice are cleared away from storm drains so water has somewhere to go.

In addition, Trick advises residents to take advantage of the opportunity to rebuild damaged mailboxes to feature large reflective house numbers on both sides of the mailbox so emergency personnel can see them clearly when responding to calls for help.

“It’s very helpful to have your address on your home as well,” says Trick. “For example, if you have a garage open to the road, you might want to consider placing your house number in a conspicuous place on the structure.”

Incorporated in 1943, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department proudly protects more than 18,000 people living in the 22.6 square mile area that makes up the Town of Avon. The Department’s mission is to provide fire suppression and prevention, life safety and rescue support, as well as other community support to the citizens of the Town of Avon. In addition, the Department provides mutual aid support to those surrounding communities that, in time of need, may request such assistance.

Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department prides itself on the selflessness and dedication of its members – firefighters, fire police, administrative members, Explorers, active veterans, senior veterans, and associate members, all of whom play a vital role in the safety of Avon. The Department operates six companies and 15 pieces of apparatus, including a brush truck, ladder truck, tanker, rescue vehicle, boat, and pumpers. Four stations are located throughout Town – Company 1 on Darling Drive, Company 2 on Secret Lake Road, Company 3 on West Avon Road, and Company 4 on Huckleberry Hill Road. Anyone interested in learning more about the AVFD should call the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) at 677-2644, visit www.avonvfd.org, or stop by the Company 1 firehouse located at 25 Darling Drive any Monday evening after 7:00.

With the almost flip-flop wearing warmth last week, ice dams are no longer a worry as roof tiles have emerged from under blankets of snow. Even a few patches of grass can be spotted here and there. With above freezing daytime temperatures continuing, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) has some advice for local residents and businesses: Be Ready for Melting.
Damaged Mailbox

“With the continued warm temperatures during the day, it’s imperative that people prepare for more melting snow and possible flooding,” says Michael Trick, Chief of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department. “A lot has melted already, but there’s much more to go – we will have just as much trouble finding somewhere for the water to go as we’ve had making room for all the snow. And, with freezing overnight temperatures, puddles that form during the day turn to ice vs. soak into the ground or run off.”

To prevent flooding in homes and offices, Trick recommends the following:

  • Make sure snow is cleared away from home and other building foundations; and
  • Make sure draining water has a way to escape low-lying and poorly-drained areas so it doesn’t enter buildings.
  • Test basement sump pumps to make sure they’re working.
  • Purchase a pump to safeguard homes/businesses and remove water less than two inches deep.

In the event water does enter a building, Trick advises residents and business to call the AVFD for help.

“If water is greater than two inches deep, presents a safety issue impacting furnaces, or otherwise indicates imminent danger, we urge people to call 911,” says Trick.

On roadways, specifically in neighborhoods, make sure snow and ice are cleared away from storm drains so water has somewhere to go.

In addition, Trick advises residents to take advantage of the opportunity to rebuild damaged mailboxes to feature large reflective house numbers on both sides of the mailbox so emergency personnel can see them clearly when responding to calls for help.

“It’s very helpful to have your address on your home as well,” says Trick. “For example, if you have a garage open to the road, you might want to consider placing your house number in a conspicuous place on the structure.”

Incorporated in 1943, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department proudly protects more than 18,000 people living in the 22.6 square mile area that makes up the Town of Avon. The Department’s mission is to provide fire suppression and prevention, life safety and rescue support, as well as other community support to the citizens of the Town of Avon. In addition, the Department provides mutual aid support to those surrounding communities that, in time of need, may request such assistance.

Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department prides itself on the selflessness and dedication of its members – firefighters, fire police, administrative members, Explorers, active veterans, senior veterans, and associate members, all of whom play a vital role in the safety of Avon. The Department operates six companies and 15 pieces of apparatus, including a brush truck, ladder truck, tanker, rescue vehicle, boat, and pumpers. Four stations are located throughout Town – Company 1 on Darling Drive, Company 2 on Secret Lake Road, Company 3 on West Avon Road, and Company 4 on Huckleberry Hill Road. Anyone interested in learning more about the AVFD should call the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) at 677-2644, visit www.avonvfd.org, or stop by the Company 1 firehouse located at 25 Darling Drive any Monday evening after 7:00.