Safety Tips for Severe Winter Weather

Snow Plow plowing snow on street

  • 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