We all know the weather in Northeast Ohio can be unpredictable. Being prepared for an emergency an take some of the worry out of winter weather.
You may lose electricity and heat for several hours during a winter storm. Take the time to create an emergency plan and preparedness kit to help you make it through.
Here are some Winter Storm Preparedness tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Before
- Create and test an emergency communication plan.
- Stock emergency supplies and install battery-powered or battery backed-up carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors.
- Identify a place nearby where you can safely warm up should you lose heat in your home.
- Download the City of Mentor App which provides push alerts in the event of an emergency.
During
- Stay indoors and off the roads. If you must drive, keep emergency supplies in your car.
- Close off rooms to consolidate and retain heat.
- Dress in layers and use blankets to stay warm.
- Never use a generator, camp stove, charcoal grill, or gasoline or propane heater indoors, as these items can start accidental fires, cause electric shock, and/or cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never heat a home with a cooktop or oven.
- Monitor local news and alerts for emergency information and instructions.
Remember to only call 911 if you have an actual emergency during the Winter Storm event. You may report power outages to The Illumination Company by calling 888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877) or online.