TVFR: Winter Storms Safety… whether indoors, outdoors or driving on the road

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Winter storms can be dangerous, bringing heavy winds, freezing temperatures, power failures, as well as icy or flooded roads. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue encourages you to prepare yourself and your family for winter storms by following these safety tips:

Indoor Safety

• Have a professional perform annual inspections of your heating system and make any necessary repairs. If you have a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned annually.
• Bring pets and smaller animals inside to keep them warm and dry.
• Keep heating sources at least 3 feet away from materials that can burn, and never leave lit candles or other flames unattended.
• Have a disaster supply kit with bedding, clothing, first-aid supplies, flashlights, food, a battery-operated radio, and water to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours of any emergency. For more information on 72-hour kits, visit www.tvfr.com.
• Know the shut-off locations for your electricity, natural gas, and water.
• During a power outage, turn off major appliances to reduce power demands when electricity is restored.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the home and test them regularly.

Outdoor Safety

• Minimize outdoor activities whenever possible. If you must venture outdoors, dress appropriately for the weather conditions you may encounter and avoid getting wet to prevent hypothermia.
• Don’t overestimate how far you can walk on extremely cold, rainy, or snowy days.
• Use extreme caution when stepping outside in icy conditions, particularly in the morning when it’s coldest and the ice hasn’t had a chance to melt.
• Insulate exposed water pipes with fiberglass or foam to protect them from freezing.
• Report power outages to your electric company and NEVER touch a downed power line!
• If you have pets or livestock that must be outside, provide a sheltered area and access to non-frozen drinking water.

Safety Behind the Wheel

• Avoid traveling when the weather service issues storm advisories.
• If you must drive, drive much slower than you would in ideal weather conditions.
• Have your car inspected to ensure it’s in proper running condition. A breakdown during extreme weather can put you and your passengers in danger.
• Replace worn tires, belts, leaking radiator hoses, and burned-out headlights and taillights.
• Ensure your radiator has an appropriate antifreeze for the conditions you will encounter.
• Have an emergency kit in your car equipped with blankets, flashlights, snacks, tools, a shovel, and kitty litter or sand for traction in case of an unexpected delay or emergency.
• Keep your gas tank more than half full. Should a power outage occur, you may have difficulty finding a service station that can fill your tank.
• If you plan to travel in the mountains, carry the appropriate chains or traction devices required by law.

For more fire and life safety tips, visit www.tvfr.com.