JanuarySafety & Health Tip #3

Preparing for Winter Storms

  • Keep several days of food that does not need cooking or refrigeration. Remember to stock up on infant formula and baby food if you have children. If you plan on using canned goods, be sure to have a can opener that does not require electricity.
  • Keep several days of water on hand (about 1 gallons per person per day for drinking, more for hygiene purposes) in case your pipes freeze or your loose power. Don’t forget to store extra water and food for your pets.
  • Charge electronic devices and cell phones that can be used to report an emergency, check the status of a power outage or local emergency assistance. If possible, have an additional cell phone battery charged to act as a backup.
  • Keep flashlights, a portable radio and extra batteries handy. Battery operated lights should be used instead of candles which can cause a fire.
  • Keep a complete first-aid kit and a sufficient supply of prescription medications on hand at all times.
  • Keep a written list of emergency numbers near your phone. Most hard-wired (non-cordless) phones will still work even in a power outage.
  • If you have electrically powered life-support equipment, before a power outage occurs, ask your physician, nurse or equipment supplier about emergency backup. In an emergency, dial 911.
  • If you have a generator, you must have it connected properly by a licensed electrician, for the safety and protection of our line workers and other emergency responders that may come near power lines.
  • Install battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and smoke alarms.
  • Don’t use the stove or oven to heat a home, and don’t use generators in enclosed areas (garages, breezeways) or near other air intakes, windows or doors for risk of CO poisoning.
  • Change smoke and CO detector batteries when resetting clocks for daylight savings.
  • If a CO detector sounds, move to fresh air immediately and if experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms call 911. If no symptoms exist, call a qualified contactor immediately to have appliances checked. (There may be a few for this service.)

This safety tip was created by the Consumers Energyand brought to you by MIOSHA.

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Consultation Education & Training (CET) Division
Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration (MIOSHA)
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
(517) 322-1809