People are using alternate heating sources to try to battle the cold weather and with that comes the increased potential for a fire.  Danbury Fire Chief Geoff Herald says homeowners should make sure their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order.  There's been a lot of talk about steps to take to prevent pipes in your home from freezing.  That includes keeping the thermostat up and opening cabinet doors to let the warmer air circulate in. 

If the fire department does have to respond, he says the hydrants are not likely to freeze in this bitter cold.  Herald says fire hydrants are not full of water, the water is six to eight feet below ground--below the freeze line.

Herald is asking people that when they are out shovelling their driveways and sidewalks to also clear a path to the fire hydrant.