How to be safe in a winter storm

There are several feet of snow outside. Everything is entombed in a thick layer of ice. You’ve lost power and heat, and your pipes are frozen. What do you do? Here are a few tips.

If The Lights Go Out

If you lose electrical service during the winter, follow these tips:

  1. Call your utility first to determine area repair schedules. Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored. Leave one light on to indicate power has been restored.
  2. If you see downed power lines, do not touch them – assume they are live. Report the location of the downed power line to your utility company and please caution children when outdoors playing not to approach these lines.
  3. Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning:
    • DO NOT operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon monoxide gas.
    • DO NOT use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
    • DO NOT use your gas oven to heat your home -- prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house can create carbon monoxide gas.
    • Make sure fuel space heaters are used with proper ventilation.
  4. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food spoilage.

Staying Warm Indoors

Losing your heat when winter's winds are howling is not pleasant. However, by following these simple tips, you will weather the storm more comfortably.

  1. Keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.
  2. Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
  3. Dress in layers of lightweight clothing and wear a cap.
  4. Eat well-balanced meals.

Protecting Water Pipes

If Pipes Freeze

  1. Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the water flow minimizes the damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.
  2. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.
  3. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

Sources:

NY State Emergency Management Office

CBS News

The Daily Green

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