Prepare for Winter Storms Before They Cut the Power: Generators Stay Outdoors, at Least 20 Feet From Windows
Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion, and a storm can last a few hours or several days, cut off heat, power and communication services, and put older adults, children, sick individuals and pets at greater risk, the federal preparedness platform Ready.gov says. Preparation has to happen before a warning is issued.
The terms matter: a Winter Storm Warning means hazardous winter weather is imminent or occurring and is usually issued 12 to 24 hours ahead; a Winter Storm Watch means a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet is possible, usually 12 to 48 hours ahead; and a Winter Weather Advisory means accumulations will cause significant inconveniences and could lead to life-threatening situations if caution is not exercised. Weather reports, community warning systems, the Emergency Alert System and NOAA Weather Radio are the alert sources named.
At home, gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power, counting each person's specific needs including medication, remembering pets, and keeping extra batteries for radios and flashlights. Prepare the house with insulation, caulking and weather stripping, learn how to keep pipes from freezing, and install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Households unable to afford heating costs can contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.
The most dangerous outage mistake is heating the wrong way: generators and grills belong outdoors and away from windows, with generators and fuel used outdoors at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages and kept dry, and a gas stovetop or oven must never be used to heat a home. Cars need an emergency kit as well: jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks, with a full tank of gas. (Source: Ready.gov)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：覆雪的冷杉林。Wikimedia Commons 图片（CC BY-SA 3.0）。 / Photo: Snow-covered fir trees. Image via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
