Being out in extremely cold temperatures can be dangerous for everyone, but it presents a different set of challenges for local fire fighters.
41 Action News stopped by Olathe Fire Station No. 1 to ask them what it's like.
Fire Capt. Joey Heideman said they face two major issues: preventing the hoses and pipes from freezing and preventing themselves from freezing.
Their gear is heavy. When it gets drenched in water, it gets heavier. While their coats and pants have a thermal layer to prevent water from reaching their skin, the bitter cold still takes a toll. The threat of hypothermia is always there.
Heideman says they make sure to have extra people and crews to relieve some of the other firefighters who need to take a quick rehab break to check vitals and get warm.
Another risk is the water from their hoses freezing everything around them. They're constantly making sure the valves and hoses do not freeze over. When that is achieved, the water is constantly running.
"That can form a giant ice rink around us," Heideman said. And they slip on it, often. Crews have to be aware of slippery steps, driveways and porches. That's a concern for crews and the people they're saving.
But it's the name of the game and Heideman said their crews are always well-equipped and happy to help - whether it's 100 degrees or zero.
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Sarah Plake can be reached at sarah.plake@kshb.com.
