Fire department asking you to clear decks and other emergency exits

Eau Claire (WQOW) - We know you're sick of snow and the last thing you want to do is shovel more of it. But, the Eau Claire Fire Department is asking you to be diligent, not only for your safety, but theirs as well.

If you have any extra snow built up on decks or other emergency exits to your home, the fire department is asking you to clear a pathway. That way, you have more than one way out of your home.

Also, crews would be able to get in to fight a fire faster. Inspector Mike Laska says a fire doubles in size every five minutes, so there's no time to waste to clear snow to get to your door, or to a fire hydrant. And it's not just response to fires they're concerned about.

"The firefighters getting back they're like, yeah you should have seen what we had to do to clear the way to get a stretcher in. We had to clear that area so we could get a cot into the house and then, you know, Bob fell down on his butt because it's just so slippery. And we can't help what mother nature does but we can try and help each other, community-wise by salting and sanding," explains Laska.

The fire department says salt, sand or even kitty litter are all things you can lay down to make things less slick.

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Fire department asking you to clear decks and other emergency exits