Safety Tips for Severe Winter Weather

Never use candles for emergency lighting
Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home
Keep snow and ice 5 feet away from fire hydrants
Clear outside furnace, stove, fireplace and gas dryer vents of snow and other debris to prevent carbon monoxide
Don’t fuel your generator while it’s running
Don’t use a generator in a wet area; this can cause shock or electrocution
Generators should always be used outside the home and at least 20 feet away from any windows or other openings
Connect appliances to generators with grounded, heavy-duty extension cords to prevent electrical fires
Make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm when using space heaters or fireplaces
Keep at least 3 feet distance around space heaters at all times
Make sure space heaters have an automatic shut off in case it tips over
Keep away from any downed power lines
Install smoke alarms with battery back-ups on every floor, inside and outside all sleeping areas, and make sure they are tested monthly
Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home (at least one on each level)
Plan for your personal medical needs, such as refrigerated medications, oxygen devices, etc.
Assemble an emergency preparedness kit with items such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first-aid kit, extra batteries, cell phones with chargers, personal hygiene items, emergency contact information, pet supplies, and blankets
Create a support network for help during an extended power outage