Storms in any season can leave your home without power. Use these tips from the Red Cross and National Fire Protection Association to stay safe at home:
Never use your oven to heat your home. An open door on either a gas or electric oven creates a burn hazard, and with windows sealed against the cold and an open door, the oven can produce a concentrated exposure to carbon monoxide.
Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
Keep fire hydrants on your street free of snow.
Make sure all fuel-burning equipment vents to the outside and is kept clear. They give off carbon monoxide (CO) which can build up and is odorless and invisible.
- Use a generator only in a well-ventilated location outdoors (not in a garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area) and away from windows, doors and vent openings.
- If you use a wood stove or pellet stove for heating, burn only the materials for which your stove is designed. Never burn charcoal indoors, which can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide
- Have both smoke alarms and CO detectors with battery back-ups in your home, ideally in the hallway near the bedrooms in each sleeping area and on every floor.
- Put together a supply kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries. Keep a flashlight and phone by your bed within easy reach.
- If you have no other choice than candles for lighting, be sure everyone knows the rules for safe candle use.
- Maintain all heating equipment and have chimneys cleaned and inspected every year.