Harrisburg, Pa. - With severe winter weather elevating the risk of lengthy power outages, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is reminding residents to take steps to protect their health and safety whenever they are without electricity.

Of special concern are supplemental heating sources and electrical generators, which can be deadly when used improperly.

PEMA is recommending that anyone without power should consider going to a local shelter for food, water and relief from the cold. Anyone who chooses to remain in their home should consider the following guidance:

- If you do not have heat, close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors, and cover the windows at night.

- Eat and drink - food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.

- Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration, but do not consume alcoholic beverages.

- Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chill.

Use flashlights or other battery-powered lights instead of candles, if possible. If you must use candles, place them in candleholders and away from children and pets and anything that could catch fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended or sleep with candles burning, officials said.

Fireplaces, wood stoves and portable heaters and generators are often used when power outages occur. These and other appliances produce carbon monoxide, which can be fatal if people are exposed to high levels even for a brief time. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled and can kill in minutes.

Tips to avoid CO poisoning include:

- Never run a motor vehicle, generator or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window, door or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.

- Regularly check and properly maintain fuel-burning appliances, especially when in use.

- Carefully monitor household members for signs of CO poisoning. Exposure to CO can cause loss of consciousness and death. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.

- To protect yourself and your loved ones, never run a generator or any petroleum-fueled (kerosene, propane, gasoline) engine or appliance inside a basement, garage or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented.

- Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.

- People who are asleep or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms. Anyone who suspects symptoms of CO poisoning should go outdoors for fresh air immediately. If a person has collapsed or is not breathing, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency medical assistance from a safe location.

In addition, power outages mean that food safety issues require special attention:

- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Refrigerated foods should be kept at 40F or below. Check the temperature when the power comes back on. If the appliance thermometer reads 40F or below, the food is safe and may be kept refrigerated.

- It is safe to refreeze the food, but the quality and flavor of the food may be affected.

- If a thermometer has not been kept in the unit, check each package of food after power is restored. If the food still contains ice crystals or is 40F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook and use. Do not rely on appearance or odor to determine if food is safe.

- Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was out for no more than 4-6 hours and the refrigerator door was kept closed.

- Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40F for two hours or more.

- Remember: When in doubt, throw it out!

Individuals needing assistance should call their local city or county emergency management office in the "Blue Pages" section of the phone book or, if they have an emergency, should call 911 immediately. Never call the 911 emergency to request or report road conditions. When calling 911 to report an emergency, it is critical for callers to stay on the line, even if for an extended series of rings, until the operator answers. Hang-ups due to frustration result in wasted staff time as the 911 center tries to reestablish contact.

PEMA urges individuals to keep extra drinking water, a first-aid kit, canned/non-perishable food, a non-electric can opener, battery-powered radio, flashlight and spare batteries in an easily-accessible place. In addition, individuals are encouraged to check on elderly family members and neighbors to ensure their needs are met.

The commonwealth's ReadyPA campaign encourages citizens to take three basic steps before an emergency: Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Involved. More detailed information on how the public can "Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Involved," including downloadable checklists and emergency plan templates, is available online at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READY-PA.

Source: Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

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