Home Safety

Winter has arrived and you should stockpile the following supplies in the event a winter storm or power outage prevents you from leaving your home:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Emergency non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration
• Non-electric can opener
• Bottled water
• One week supply of essential medicines
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags
• First aid kit and manual
• Fire extinguisher
• Emergency heating equipment, used properly
• Winterize Your Home

Take the time now to get your home ready for the winter season by following these tips:

• Have your heating system checked by a professional annually. This will ensure that your system is working safely and efficiently which, in turn, will save you money. If you heat by wood, clean your fireplace or stove. Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of creosote and then cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate walls and attic. This will help you to conserve energy and reduce your home's power demands for heat.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. This will provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out.
• Inspect and flush your water heater.
• Clean gutters. Leaves and other debris will hamper drainage.
• Replace batteries of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. If you did not do it when you set the clocks back, do it now.
• To keep pipes from freezing:
• Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers
• Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture
• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing
• Know how to shut off water valves

If your heat goes out during a winter storm, you can keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

• 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.
• Dress in layers of lightweight clothing and wear a cap.
• Eat well-balanced meals.
• 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.

To prevent the mess and aggravation of frozen water pipes, protect your home, apartment or business by following the simple steps below.

Before Cold Weather

• Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing, typically those near outer walls, in crawl spaces or in the attic.
• Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved).
• Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

When It's Cold

• Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.
• Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
• If you plan to be away: 
  1. Have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or 
  2. Drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).

If Pipes Freeze

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

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

• 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.
• To help prevent freezing pipes, turn on faucets slightly. Running water will not freeze as quickly.
• 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.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food spoilage.

Electric generators can provide you with piece of mind and convenience when you are faced with a temporary loss of electric service.

Follow these safety guidelines when operating a generator:

• Before installing a generator, be sure to properly disconnect from your utility electrical service. If possible, have your generator installed by a qualified electrician.
• Run generators outside, downwind of structures. NEVER run a generator indoors. Deadly carbon monoxide gas from the generator's exhaust can spread throughout enclosed spaces. Install a carbon monoxide detector.
• Fuel spilled on a hot generator can cause an explosion. If your generator has a detachable fuel tank remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling.
• Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Most of the small, home-use portable generators produce from 350 to 12,000 watts of power. Overloading your generator can damage it, the appliances connected to it, and may cause a fire. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep children away from generators at all times.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer claiming about 1,000 lives each year in the United States. Such common items as automotive exhaust, home heating systems and obstructed chimneys can produce the colorless, odorless gas.

The gas can also be produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other items used for cooking and heating when used improperly during the winter months.

• NEVER run generators indoors. Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater.
• NEVER use charcoal to cook indoors.
• NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and get to a hospital.

Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters can add a cozy glow, but make sure you are using them safely.

• Always keep a screen around an open flame.
• Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
• Never burn charcoal indoors.
• Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
• Have your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup - and then clean it.
• Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors... and make sure they work! Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.

If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
• Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool.
• Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
• When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

Remember, the fire hazard is greatly increased in the winter because alternate heating sources often are used without following proper safety precautions.

As the snow and ice continues to build up, homeowners should think about safety before trying to clear the snow from their roof.

Here are some safety tips:

• When possible, use long-handled snow rakes or poles.
• If you must use a ladder, make certain that the base is securely anchored. Ask a friend, neighbor or adult family member to hold the ladder while you climb.
• Know where the snow is going to fall before clearing the area.
• Make certain not to contact electrical wires.
• If possible, do not attempt to clear the roof alone.
• If you are afraid of heights or think the job is too big for you, HIRE HELP.

Clearing roofs is a dangerous task. However, if you think safety, and work safely, you will get the job done.