Protect yourself and your home during winter

Posted January 13, 2011
Courtesy of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management

01/13/2011 - RICHMOND — Cold winter weather in Virginia is challenging and dangerous. Protect yourself and your home with these timely tips:

• If there is a severe storm, then power outages could occur. If you have a loss of power, it is recommended you stay in a place that has power and heat, such as a friend's home, hotel or local warming shelter.
• If you must stay home during power outages, plan now how you will stay warm. Choose a room that can be closed off and heated safely by something other than electricity.
• If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for heat, have a professional check it, especially if it has been a long time since the last cleaning. Residue can build up and cause fires.
• Portable generators and kerosene and propane heaters should be inspected and cleaned by professionals so they work safely. Proper ventilation is essential. Follow the manufacturer's directions when using.
• During power outages, don't use candles for light. Flashlights are much safer. Be sure to have extra batteries on hand. If you plan to use a candle until a flashlight can be found and used, be sure to place the candle on a plate or non-flammable surface. Keep candles away from flammable material and never leave a candle unattended and be sure to extinguish the flame before going to bed or leaving the room.
• Plug space heaters into wall outlets, not extension cords. Keep space heaters at least three feet from other objects. Never leave a space heater unattended, and turn it off before going to bed.
• Keep your automobile gas tank full during the winter. It's always best to stay off roads during winter storms. Most accidents occur within the first two hours after a storm starts. If you must drive, know the road conditions before you go. Call 511 or go to www.511Virginia.org for around-the-clock travel information. Also, if you are going to drive in a winter storm, be sure to tell someone your destination and the routes you are going to take to get there.

It's essential that you and your family have a winter emergency plan. Here's why: If your family can't return home because of severe weather or closed roads, you need to decide ahead of time on meeting places away from your neighborhood. You also need an out-of-town relative or friend to be your family's point of contact for emergency communications.

Learn more about making a plan for winter weather and all emergencies at www.ReadyVirginia.gov.