In Lexington, Kentucky, winter has truly arrived, bringing with it extremely cold days such as Thursday. While many people have the comfort of staying indoors during work, there are those who must brave the outdoors and contend with the harsh elements. One group of workers that frequently find themselves outside is construction workers. Layering up becomes crucial when working in the cold.

Key to Staying Warm in the Cold

Construction Workers' Approach

Construction worker Jackston Engle from Martina Brothers emphasizes the importance of wearing more than one layer. "We have heaters and water heaters to keep us warm, so it's not too difficult to use them and keep working. Just bundle up and stay in front of a heater," he says. This simple yet effective strategy helps them endure the cold.

Firefighters' Precautions

For the Lexington Fire Department, it's not only about keeping themselves warm but also ensuring that their equipment functions properly and doesn't freeze. District Chief Jeremy Cooper explains, "Anything with a thread on it, we apply anti-freeze. We disconnect our hoses and drain the pumps. The main goal is to prevent any standing water from freezing." This meticulous approach ensures their equipment is ready for action even in the coldest temperatures.

Ensuring Scene Safety

Firefighters also need to make sure the scene they are at is safe. This requires coordination with Lexington Street and Roads. Cooper states, "We have to look out for water on the ground. We have a good relationship with LFUCG Streets and Roads. They will come out with a salt truck to help us avoid slipping and falling on ice." This collaborative effort ensures the safety of both firefighters and those in the area.

Keeping Firetrucks Warm

During cold times, firetrucks are kept warm. Cooper continues, "Our apparatus bays where our vehicles are parked have heaters. These are designed to keep the trucks as warm as possible. We also have salamander heaters at each station that we can position to various parts of the vehicles in case they are out in extreme elements for a long time." This attention to detail ensures the firetrucks are ready to respond at a moment's notice.While working in the cold can make tasks more challenging, construction workers like Engle prefer it to the summer heat. They understand the importance of being prepared and taking the necessary precautions to stay safe and productive in even the coldest of winters.Copyright 2024 WKYT. All rights reserved.