01/23/2026
āļø Winter Storm Prep: Stay Safe & Ready āļø
With winter weather on the way, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your home, family, and pets safeāespecially with the risk of power outages, extreme cold, and carbon monoxide exposure.
š Protect Your Home
- Insulate or drip faucets to prevent frozen pipes
- Bring in or secure outdoor items
- Check your heating system and change filters
- Set thermostats to a safe temperature if power is lost
- Close off unused rooms to conserve heat
ā” Prepare for Power Outages
- Charge phones, power banks, and essential devices
- Have flashlights, batteries, and blankets ready
- Dress in layersāhats, gloves, and warm socks help retain heat
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food
- Know how to safely use generators or alternative heat sources
ā ļø Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working
- Never use grills, camp stoves, propane heaters, or generators indoors or in garages
- Keep generators outside and far from windows and doors
- Never run vehicles inside a garageāeven with the door open
- If a CO alarm sounds or you feel dizzy, nauseous, or confusedāget outside and call 911
šØāš©āš§āš¦ Protect Your Family
- Stock up on essentials (food, water, medications)
- Avoid unnecessary travel during severe conditions
- Have an emergency plan and a warm gathering space
- Check on neighborsāespecially seniors
š¾ Protect Your Pets
- Bring pets indoors or provide warm, dry shelter
- Add extra bedding and limit outdoor time
- Keep extra food and unfrozen water available
- Wipe paws after walks to remove ice and salt
Preparation saves lives. Stay warm, stay safe, and take care of each other. š¤ š š¤
