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Check on the elderly and those who may need special assistance to ensure their safety.
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Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees, or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them.
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Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences. Always assume a downed line is a live line. Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem.
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Check flashlights and portable radios to ensure that they are working, and you have extra batteries. A radio is an important source of weather and emergency information during a storm.
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If utilizing a generator, read, understand, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Always operate generators outdoors and away from any windows or doors. Make sure your generator is properly grounded and installed as you may be liable for damage or injury to people and property that may result from improperly installed or operated equipment.
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Ensure your Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are working correctly and have fresh batteries.
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Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, do not open the refrigerator or freezer door. Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed). If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
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Make sure you always have a well-stocked Winter Home Emergency Supply Kit that includes flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food and a manual can opener.