After a Winter Storm
- Continue to monitor media for emergency information.
- Follow instructions from public safety officials.
- Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies, including downed power lines and gas leaks.
- Check with your local authorities or call 2-1-1 to find locations of warming centers or shelters near you or for other storm-related questions.
- In the event of power outages during cold weather, you may need to go to a warming center or emergency shelter to stay warm. Report power outages to your utility company.
- Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live.
- Stay off streets and roads until they are clear of snow.
- Use caution and take frequent breaks when shoveling snow to prevent overexertion. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter.
- Clear exhaust vents from direct vent gas furnace systems to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working as it is a silent, odorless, killer.
- Clear snow from around vehicle exhaust pipes before starting the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Make sure emergency generators or secondary heating systems are well ventilated because their fumes contain carbon monoxide. See more Generator Safety Tips.
- Dig out fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood.
- Check your roof and clear accumulated snow to avoid roof collapses.
- Don’t park too close to corners so public safety vehicles and plows can maneuver safely.
- Be aware of children playing in the streets, particularly climbing on or running out from behind large snowdrifts. Parents should remind their children to be aware of plowing operations and traffic.
- Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions and those who may need additional assistance.
(Information provided by Mass.gov / Winter Storm Safety Tips)
