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Winter Safety Information
The following Winter Safety Tips are from the New York State Emergency Management Office.
For more safety information, visit www.semo.state.ny.us
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CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
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.
1. NEVER run generators indoors. Open a window slightly when using a kerosene
heater.
2. NEVER use charcoal to cook indoors.
3. 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.
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GENERATORS
Electric generators can provide you with piece of mind and convenience when you
are faced with a temporary loss of electric service.
The New York State Emergency Management Office urges you to follow these safety
guidelines when operating a generator:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Keep children away from generators at all times.
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DRIVING
The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents.
• Dark traffic signals should be treated as all-way stops.
• Keep vehicles clear of ice and snow. Good vision is a key to good driving.
• Plan your stops – keep more distance between cars.
• Be extra alert. Remember, snowdrifts can hide smaller children.
• Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
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HYPOTHERMIA
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia, especially in
children and the elderly.
Watch for these symptoms:
1. Inability to concentrate
2. Poor coordination
3. Slurred speech
4. Drowsiness
5. Exhaustion
6. Uncontrollable shivering, followed by a sudden lack of shivering
If the person's body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency
medical assistance immediately!
Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm blankets and give warm, non-alcoholic,
non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives.
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FROSTBITE
People working or playing outdoors during the winter can develop frostbite and not
even know it.
There is no pain associated with the early stages of frostbite, so learn to watch for
these danger signs:
1. First, the skin may feel numb and become flushed. Then it turns white or grayishyellow.
Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch.
2. If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area. Cover the affected area
with something warm and dry. Never rub it!
3. Then get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible.
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WHAT TO DO WITH FOOD DURING POWER OUTAGE
During a power outage, open your refrigerator and freezer as little as possible. Eat the
most perishable items first, such as leftovers, meat, poultry and food containing milk,
cream, sour cream, or soft cheese.
Despite your best efforts, the food in your freezer may partially or completely thaw
before power is restored. Foods that have completely thawed, but are still cold and
have been kept cold for no longer than one or two days after thawing, may be eaten or
refrozen under certain conditions:
• Fruits may be eaten or refrozen if they still taste and smell good.
• Do not eat or refreeze vegetables that have thawed completely since bacteria
multiple rapidly in them.
• Meat and poultry should be thrown away if their color or odor is poor or
questionable, or if they have been held at a temperature warmer then 40 degrees
Fahrenheit for more than two hours.
• Fish and shellfish should not be eaten or refrozen once they have thawed.
Remember the general rule: When in doubt, throw it out!
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PROTECTING WATER PIPES
To prevent the mess and aggravation of frozen water pipes, protect your home,
apartment or business by following the simple steps below.
When It's Cold
1. Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall.
2. Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink
or appliance near an outer wall.
3. Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
4. 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
1. 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.
2. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.
3. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
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WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT
If you lose electrical service, follow these tips:
1. 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.
2. To help prevent freezing pipes, turn on faucets slightly. Running water will not
freeze as quickly.
3. Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning:
o DO NOT operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon
monoxide gas.
o DO NOT use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup of
carbon monoxide gas.
o 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.
o Make sure fuel space heaters are used with proper ventilation.
4. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce
food spoilage.
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ALTERNATIVE HEAT SOURCES
Use wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters safely. Follow these tips:
1. Always keep a screen around an open flame.
2. Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
3. Never burn charcoal indoors.
4. Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
5. 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.
6. Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors ... and make sure they work!
Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.
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KEROSENE HEATERS
If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an
emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
2. The Uniform Fire Prevention & Building Code of New York State prohibits
kerosene heaters from being used in sleeping rooms, bathrooms or storage
closets.
3. Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
4. Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool.
5. Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable
objects.
6. 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.
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PROTECTING PETS
1. Ingesting anti-freeze can be fatal for your dog or cat. It has a sweet taste and
even a tiny amount can cause severe kidney damage and even death. If you spill
some, soak it up immediately. (Clay kitty litter works well. Discard the litter once
the anti-freeze has been absorbed.)
2. Pets that live outdoors should be fed a bit more in the winter because they need
the extra calories to stay warm. They also should have fresh water put out a
couple of times a day, or consider a special bowl that prevents the water from
freezing.
3. If your pet goes outdoors, be aware of the temperature. Pets can get frostbite
very easily on the ears, tail and paws.
4. When walking your dog, check the paws to make sure that ice is not building up
between the toes and that salt from the roads is not irritating the skin.
5. If your dog is a swimmer, keep it on a leash around open water or unstable ice.
Hypothermia can set in quickly and the dog may be unable to get out of the
water.
6. Before you start your car, you should honk the horn to make sure that a cat has
not decided to nap in a warm spot under the hood of the vehicle.
7. If decorating for the holidays, keep ornaments out of the reach of your pets.
Remember that poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and other plants can be toxic if
ingested.
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