GHF&MO

More Info at: www.usfa.dhs.gov/winter or www.nfpa.org/winter

Your home should be just as prepared as you are.  Severe weather can result in serious emergencies: storms can knock down power lines, shutting off not only the lights but also heating equipment which need electricity to operate.

Heating - Have some type of emergency heating equipment available so you can keep at least one room warm enough to be livable if your furnace is not operating.  Be careful...know how to use this emergency heating equipment safely to prevent fire or dangerous fumes.  Proper ventilation is essential.  (See Heating Safety Tips)

Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that consumers purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors with labels showing they meet the requirements of the new Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) voluntary standard (UL 2034). The UL standard, published in April 1992, requires detectors to sound an alarm when exposure to carbon monoxide reaches potentially hazardous levels over a period of time. Detectors that meet the requirements of UL 2034 provide a greater safety margin than previously-manufactured detectors.

About 200 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with home fuel-burning heating equipment. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when any fuel is incompletely burned. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to flu-like illnesses and include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and irregular breathing. Carbon monoxide can leak from faulty furnaces or fuel-fired heaters or can be trapped inside by a blocked chimney or flue. Burning charcoal inside the house or running an automobile engine in an attached garage also will produce carbon monoxide in the home.

The first line of defense against carbon monoxide is to make sure that all fuel-burning appliances operate properly. Consumers should have their home heating systems (including chimneys and flues) inspected each year for proper operations and leakage. Inspectors should check all heating appliances and their electrical and mechanical components, thermostat controls and automatic safety devices.

Properly working carbon monoxide detectors can provide an early warning to consumers before the deadly gas builds up to a dangerous level. Exposure to a low concentration over several hours can be as dangerous as exposure to high carbon monoxide levels for a few minutes - the new detectors will detect both conditions. Most of the devices cost under $100. Each home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector in the area outside individual bedrooms. CPSC believes that carbon monoxide detectors are as important to home safety as smoke detectors are.

Pipes - Wrap the pipes in insulation made especially for water pipes.  When it is extremely cold and there is real danger of freezing, let the faucets drip a little.  This will help keep the water moving.  Know where the valve for shutting off the water coming into your home is located.  Be ready to turn off the water if pipes do become frozen.  If the pipes freeze - open the faucets wide to allow for expansion of the frozen water. 

Emergency Supplies - When a winter storm strikes or extra-cold weather lingers for long periods, certain items and information are indispensable in an emergency or even under normal circumstances.  A home emergency kit should include:

Phone numbers you can dial for help - your neighbors, the police, fire department, and other community service organizations.  An out of state phone number in case it is an area wide disaster and local phones are tied up.

Emergency Food and Water - Store some food that does not require refrigeration or cooking.  an ample supply of drinking water should also be kept on hand.  We recommend enough supplies for at least three days.  Most folks find that one gallon of water per person, per day is sufficient for normal use.  Don't forget to consider water for toiletry uses.

Battery-powered radio and extra batteries - this will enable you to hear weather forecasts, emergency information and advice broadcast by local authorities, even if your power is out.

Flashlight and extra batteries, or battery operated lamps.  Candles are too dangerous to be used as a light source.  More lives are lost to fires that occur from the use of candles after disasters than from the actual disaster that caused the power outage.  Battery operated light sources are now often less expensive than candles.

First-Aid Supplies - You may find that emergency service personnel are overloaded during power outages and local disasters and they may not have enough personnel to get to every need.  Be prepared to take care of your family and neighbors for at least the first 24 hours.  If you need a CPR/First Aid Class call our Medical Division at 851-3111 for information.  (See the schedule for CPR/First Aid classes.)

If you would like emergency planning information you can call either 253-851-3111 or 253-851-5111 for free materials.