-
Dress warmly and in
layers.
-
Do not use candles
to light or heat a home. Make sure you have flashlights and
extra batteries for lighting darkened homes.
-
Never use a
barbecue grill indoors.
-
Never attempt to
heat your home with an oven.
-
If using a
fireplace, ensure the flue is fully vented to prevent fumes from
building up in the house.
-
Exercise caution
when using generators. The primary hazards with generators are
carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust, electric shock or
electrocution, and fire. Portable generators should never be
used indoors, including in a garage, carport, basement, crawl
space, or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, even with
ventilation. Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool
down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts
could ignite.
-
Stay indoors as
much as possible.
-
Listen to the radio
or television for weather reports and emergency information.
-
If you have no
heat, close off unneeded rooms and place towels or rags under
the doors.
-
Hang blankets over
windows at night, but let the sun shine in during the day.
-
Eat to supply heat,
and drink non-alcoholic beverages to avoid dehydration.
-
Refuel kerosene heaters outside, and
keep them at least three feet away from flammable objects.
In addition, during power outages, the following food safety
guidelines are important:
-
Meat, poultry and
milk need to be at 40 degrees or below.
-
An unopened
refrigerator will keep foods cold enough for at least a couple
hours.
-
If power outage
will be prolonged, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer
items.
-
Never taste food to see if it is
spoiled. When in doubt, throw it out.
[to top of second column]
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With additional icy weather predicted for some parts of the state,
people are advised to avoid traveling if at all possible while road
conditions remain hazardous. Use public transportation if possible,
but if you must drive your vehicle, remember these safety tips:
-
Check the latest
weather conditions along your travel route. Check the Illinois
Department of Transportation road conditions information line at
1-800-452-IDOT to get current conditions for Illinois'
interstate and freeway systems. IDOT also maintains a road
condition online site at
http://www.gettingaroundillinois.com/.
-
Check your wipers,
tires, lights and fluid levels (radiator, windshield washer,
power steering, oil and brakes).
-
Travel during
daylight hours on main roads, and don't travel alone.
-
Carry a winter
survival kit in your vehicle, including a cell phone, blankets,
flashlight and extra batteries, first-aid kit, warm clothing,
and water and nonperishable snack foods.
-
Drive slower and
increase your following distance.
-
Watch for slick
spots.
-
If you become stranded on the road,
pull as far off the road as possible, call for help and stay in
your vehicle, where rescuers are most likely to find you. Make
sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow; then run the
engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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