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Tips for staying safe during weather-related outages

Prepare for possible loss of power, heat when heavy snowfall combines with wind.

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By Dave Larsen, Staff Writer Updated 11:35 PM Tuesday, February 9, 2010

DAYTON — Using a poorly ventilated fireplace or kerosene heater as an indoor heating source during a power outage “is probably the single biggest killer,” said Jeff Jordan, director of the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency.

“Make sure that you’re circulating some air through your house and not just putting off that kerosene,” Jordan said. “That’s potentially a huge problem.”

The Dayton Power & Light Co. anticipated possible problems overnight Tuesday and today, Feb. 10, with heavy snow and unusually high gusts of wind in the forecast.

Dayton area officials and agencies offered these tips in case you lose power, heat or become stranded in your car because of the winter storm:

• Have a disaster supply kit in your home that includes a battery-operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, matches and extra sets of house and car keys.

• Have a three-day supply of water. “That’s one gallon per person per day,” Jordan said. Also have a supply of nonperishable food, such as nuts, dried fruit, crackers and cookies.

• Report fallen power lines to DP&L by calling (877) 468-8243. For a life-threatening emergency due to a power line call 911. Never touch a power line.

• Don’t use a fireplace or auxiliary heater if it has not been properly maintained through the year.

• Keep kerosene and electric heaters away from flammable materials such as walls and curtains.

• Power generators must be operated outdoors. “Keep it at least 10 feet away from the home,” Jordan said.

• Unplug sensitive and expensive electronics before severe storms to prevent damage. Make sure that all heat-producing appliances are turned off so you’ll be safe when the power comes back on.

• Your house will maintain its heat for several hours during a power outage. “You’ve got some time to think through what your options are,” Jordan said.

• Frozen food will stay safely cold for 48 hours in a full freezer, and 24 hours in a half-full freezer. A refrigerator will stay safely cold for about four hours. In all cases, you must keep the door closed.

• If you don’t have bottled water stored, fill your bathtub with water. “You can pour a bucket of water into the toilet to flush it,” Jordan said.

• If you’ve lost power in your house for a prolonged period, drain your pipes of water so they don’t freeze up. To drain the pipes, turn off the water heater and main water supply, and open all the faucets in the house. Drain all toilets by flushing until the tank empties.

• Have an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you become stranded. Sgt. Jeff Kramer of the Ohio State Highway Patrol advised drivers to have a charged cell phone, blankets and road flares or reflective signs to signal for help.

• Carry a small shovel and kitty litter in your vehicle to help you free the vehicle if it gets stuck in the snow.

• Be careful shoveling snow, especially if it is wet and heavy. “If you become short of breath, stop and rest,” Jordan said. “If you’re not feeling well, let it go.”

• Be aware of the signs of hypothermia, which is abnormally low body temperature. “It requires long exposure to cold when it is wet and windy,” Jordan said. The signs include confusion and memory loss, sleepiness, shallow breathing, a weak pulse and physical exhaustion. Seek medical attention immediately.

• The Emergency Management Agency and Dayton Area Chapter of the American Red Cross are prepared to open emergency shelters, but have no current plans to do so. “We would really be looking for widespread power outages that would indicate the need to open up a shelter,” Jordan said.

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