Winter Storm Preparation

Be ready and don't let winter weather take you by surprise. 

The winter season brings cold weather, freezing temperatures, and the threat of severe winter storms.  Winter storms can produce freezing rain, snow, and the threat of icy roads and sidewalks.  Conditions can change rapidly when winter storms occur. You can be ready this winter with these severe winter weather preparedness and safety tips.

Winter Storm Preparedness

• Should your home lose power and you plan to use a fireplace, space heaters, or a wood stove, it is important always to follow the manufactures instructions and guidelines.
• Only use electric space heaters with an automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements.
• You should only use fireplaces and wood-burning stoves that are properly vented to the outside of your home and do not leak gas from the flue or exhaust into the indoor area of your home.
• Never burn leaves or paper inside the fireplace, as they can exit the fireplace and potentially start a fire inside your home.
• Avoid tripping hazards of cords from space heaters, but never run them under carpet or rugs, and do not use extension cords to plug in space heaters.
• Never turn on the stove to heat your home, as this presents a significant fire risk.
• Be prepared with extra blankets and warm winter coats to help fight the chill inside your home.
• Children should never be left alone or unattended near a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater.
• When using space heaters, keep curtains, furniture, blankets, and anything that could catch on fire at least 3 feet away. You should never cover a space heater.
• Never use a space heater with a damaged cord or a cord that is producing sparks.

Winter Storm Safety 

Heat your home safely.

• Be extremely careful if you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remember these safety tips:
• Turning on the stove for heat is not safe; have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out:
• Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats
• Fireplace that is up to code with plenty of dry firewood or a gas log fireplace
• Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters. Check with your local fire department to make sure that kerosene heaters are legal in your area.
• Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Make sure to avoid flammable materials, like curtains or blankets.
• Use fireplaces, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak gas from the flue or exhaust into the indoor air space.
• Have your heating system serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do not burn paper in a fireplace.
• Ensure you have proper ventilation if you use a kerosene heater.
• Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use—don’t substitute.
• Keep heat sources, like space heaters, at least 3 feet away from drapes, furniture, or bedding. Never cover your space heater.
• Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
• Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
• Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard, but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.
• Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater.
• If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, do not use it

Light your home safely.

• If there is a power failure:
• Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns rather than candles, if possible. Candles can lead to house fires.
• If you do use candles, never leave lit candles unattended.

Use generators and other appliances safely.

• Generators should be located at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent and in a space where rain and snow will not reach them.
• Install a battery-operated CO detector to protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
• Never use generators, gas or charcoal grills, camp stoves, or similar devices inside your home, in basements, garages, or near windows. The fumes are deadly.
• Plug in appliances to the generator using individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords.
• Do not use the generator or appliances if they are wet.Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite.

Conserve heat.

• Some gas-fueled heaters, such as ventless gas fireplaces, require some ventilation. Otherwise, keep as much heat as possible inside your home if you don't need extra ventilation.
• Avoid unnecessarily opening doors or windows.
• Close off unneeded rooms.
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.Close draperies or cover windows with blankets at night.