Chester County Medics, Firefighters Preparing To Protect Residents During Winter Storm
By Walt Hunter
BERWYN, Pa., (CBS) -- Firefighters and medics in Chester County, hardest hit by last week's storm, are busy preparing for the next winter onslaught.
At the Berwyn Fire Company, firefighters brought in portable cots to be used by firefighters who will staff the station around the clock. Berwyn Fire Chief Eamon Brazunas told CBS 3's Walt Hunter that members of the largely volunteer force will leave their families and stay at the firehouse, because storm conditions could prevent them from promptly responding from their homes as they normally would.
At the Malvern Fire Company, firefighters were busy preparing snow chains for apparatus and chain saws they will use, if needed, to cut through trees and limbs blocking their way on emergency responses.
East Whiteland Fire Company Public Information officer Mike Schon explained that 4-wheel drive vehicles will escort ambulances and medics on all calls to make sure they get through to patients and to help them carry patients on stretchers across snow and ice.
Finally, like many of us, firefighters are stocking up on food, making runs to local supermarkets, prepared to stay on duty as long as they are needed.