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■ play it safe Bundle Up for Winter Storms


Being ready for the worst helps you ride it out more comfortably—and more safely.


BY GUY DALE COORDINATOR OF SAFETY & LOSS CONTROL


A


re you ready for winter? Snow and ice are unavoidable when dealing with winter storms, but being prepared can make a world of difference. While none of us want a repeat of the December 2013 ice storm, the following tips will help you be ready.


Winterize your home


Winter storms wreak havoc on your home. By winterizing your living space, you’ll be prepared for extreme cold and hazardous conditions.


Remember to maintain and inspect your heating equipment and chimneys every year to ensure they’re working safely and properly.


Caulk and weather strip doors and windows to make the most of your heating system.


Freezing temperatures can cause water pipes to burst. Remember to insulate your pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic. Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold to avoid frozen pipes.


Consider installing storm windows for better insulation. You can also cover windows with plastic (from the inside) to keep the cold out.


Make sure everyone in your family knows where the home’s fire extinguisher is located and how to use it properly. House fires occur more frequently during winter months because people tend to use space heaters and other heating methods that may not be safe.


Prepare a winter survival kit


Severe winter storms can bring heavy accumulation of ice and snow. We know too well what happens next: downed poles and power lines, and power


12 | december 2014


outages. Our crews will work hard to restore power, but having a winter survival kit on hand is a smart idea.


Food: Store food that does not require cooking, such as canned goods, crackers, dehydrated meats and dried fruit. Keep a large supply of water on hand. Ready. gov recommends five gallons per person.


Medication: Be sure to refill all prescriptions in the event of a major power outage.


Identification: Keep all forms of identification handy, such as driver’s licenses, photo IDs and social security cards. Bank account information and insurance policies are also good to have on hand.


Other items: First aid kit, blankets, flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries.


Stay warm and safe


If an outage occurs, be sure to plan for an alternate heating source such as a fireplace, propane space heater or wood- burning stove. Fuel and wood-burning heating sources should always be vented, and make sure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly.


If you decide to use a portable generator during an outage, make sure it is placed outside the home for proper ventilation. Be careful not to overload the generator, and remember to use extension cords that can handle the electric load.


Follow these tips and your family will stay warm in the event of a power outage. For more information on preparing for winter storms, visit www.ready.gov.


To visit with Guy Dale about a safety issue or to schedule a safety program or CPR course, please call Guy at 800-780-6486, ext. 227.


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