Remember the 4P's during extreme cold! (Jan. 8, 2024)

During extreme cold events, make sure you PROTECT:

   People:

• Wear appropriate clothing if outdoors
• Minimize time spent outside
• Prepare for power outages
• Check on elderly and vulnerable people to make sure they are alright

   Pets:

• Keep your pets warm, dry, and indoors as much as possible
• If outside, make sure they have access to shelter, and that their food & water don't freeze
• Limit outside time if possible

   Pipes:

• Insulate pipes that are on outside walls or in attic spaces
• Disconnect hoses, turn off automatic sprinklers, and cover faucets

   Plants:

• Know the exposure limits of your outdoor plants
• Cover plants if necessary
• For potted plants, move them to a sheltered location or inside

Winter Ready  (Nov. 29, 2023)

As winter approaches, now is the time to start preparing.  Here are some tips to help keep you safe this season:

• Make sure your home furnace, fireplace, and/or wood burning stove are ready.  Chimneys should be cleaned and free of any obstructions, dust should be vacuumed out of furnaces, and pilot lights should be lit/checked (if equipped).  An inspection for carbon monoxide leaks should also be performed, and your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should have fresh batteries installed.
• If you have a fireplace, wood burning stove, or pellet stove, make sure you have an adequate supply.  Keep wood stacked near, but not against your house, and cover with a tarp to keep it from getting wet.  Check regularly to make sure there are no rodents or other pests using it as their home. 
• When cutting wood, make sure you use appropriate safety equipment, including eye protection and gloves.  If using a chainsaw, use hearing protection, as well.
• If you use propane, make sure you get tanks filled before the level reaches 20%.  Don't let your propane tanks run all the way down.
• If you drive during the winter, and especially before long trips, make sure you have safety supplies like:
  • Blankets
  • Gloves
  • A change of clothes (in case yours get wet while changing a tire)
  • Small shovel
  • Sand for traction
  • Food and water (but don't keep bottled water in the vehicle all winter long, as water bottles will freeze and then leak)
  • Cell phone charger and cable(s)
• Winterize your vehicle by checking your engine coolant protection level.  Use windshield washer fluid that is also rated for winter, and keep at least one ice scraper in the vehicle.  Make sure your tires have good tread, and check your windshield wipers (as you use them in snow as well as rain).
• If there is a power outage and you have a backup generator, never run it inside or in your garage.  Keep it at least 10 feet away from any doors or windows.
• Don't try to use a propane or charcoal grill inside the house to provide heat.  These can generate carbon monoxide.
• Have a plan with family and neighbors to check on each other if there is a power outage or major storm.
• Have some flashlights or light sticks at home for lighting if there is a power failure.  If using candles, keep them away from flammable surfaces and furnishings (like drapes, blankets, beds, couches, carpet, etc.).
• Dress properly when outside in the cold, and make sure children and the elderly do, as well.  This includes:
  • Wear layers
  • Cover your head, neck, and face
  • If it is wet, wear water-resistant boots and jacket/coat
  • Gloves or mittens

Learn more at:

winter-storm_information-sheet.pdf

http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather