This coverage is made possible through a partnership between BPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.
Winter Storm Fern is on its way, likely showing its worst over the weekend, with continued frigid temperatures into next week.
Snow, and even ice, can be magical ... if you have a warm, cozy and safe shelter with everything you need. But even in your own home, the electricity could go out. Without the proper emergency supplies, a snow or ice storm can turn deadly quickly.
Here’s how you can keep you and your family safe during severe winter weather.
Have these supplies on hand in your home.
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered radio in case of service or grid interruptions
- Extra prescription medicine
- First-aid supplies
- 72 hours’ worth of water and food items, including nonperishables
- Enough warm clothing and blankets for every member of the household
- Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove or space heater properly ventilated to prevent a fire
- Baby items such as diapers and formula
- Extra pet food or litter
Keep warm, but safely.
- Close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting heat.
- Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
- Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat.
- Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Drinks a lot of water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration. Cold air is very dry.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.
Heating your home can be risky, especially where gas and electricity are involved.
- If vents on the exterior of your house are covered in snow, that’s a potential carbon monoxide risk.
- Do not use a gas oven, grill or propane- or kerosene heater to heat your home.
- If you use your car to warm up, be sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow. Do not run your car inside an enclosed space like a garage.
- Prevent house-heating fires by keeping all heat sources at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Plug space heaters directly into an outlet, and inspect to ensure the cord isn’t damaged.
- Disconnect electrical appliances to avoid a power surge.
If you’re using a generator:
- Make sure you have a functioning carbon monoxide detector.
- Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning – headache, dizziness, vomiting, blurred vision, unusual tiredness, and more. If you experience these, call 911 immediately.
- Never use a generator inside home, garage, crawlspace or other indoor area; keep away from windows.
- You can find more on generator safety here.
If you must go out, use caution.
- Please keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles. Follow local driving guidance; in general, it’s best not to drive in adverse winter conditions.
- Keep your car full of gas and have cash on hand in case power is out and gas stations/ATMs are not working.
- Have survival items inside your vehicle, such as blankets, snacks, tow cables and warm layers. You canind a more extensive list here.
Finally, sign up for local emergency alerts. We have a full list of all the ways you can do that here.. You can also get federal alerts through the FEMA app.
And check on your neighbors! When it takes time for emergency services to arrive, a concerned neighbor makes an enormous difference.
