With a major storm system expect to bring wind gusts up to 60 mph in Pennsylvania and 75 mph across parts of Western New York on Sunday and early Monday, the American Red Cross has issued power outage safety tips. Area residents are urged to take steps before the storm hits the area:
BEFORE THE STORM
- Prepare an emergency preparedness kit. Replenish any items missing or expired, especially medicines or other medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
- Create a household evacuation plan and practice it.
- Be prepared to evacuate quickly if directed and know your routes and destinations.
- Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio, or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
AFTER THE STORM
- Stay with family or friends or go to a public shelter if you lose power during extremely cold weather.
- Use flashlights instead of candles.
- Put space heaters on a level, hard, and nonflammable service, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets at least three feet away.
- Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended
- Never use a generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours.
- Eliminate unnecessary travel. Traffic lights may be out.
- If electrical lines are down, don’t touch them. Report downed power lines to the utility company.
Click here for more information about emergency preparation…