The American Red Cross urges people across the commonwealth to practice home heating safety and ensure working smoke alarms are in use on every floor of their home. In addition to smoke alarms, the Red Cross encourages emergency preparedness with the creation of a home fire safety plan and offers the following tips to ensure local residents can stay safe and warm.

To reduce the risk of heating related fires, the Red Cross recommends several steps. All heaters need space. Keep children, pets and things that can burn, including paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs, at least three feet away from heating equipment. If a space heater is necessary, it should be placed on a level, hard, and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs, on carpets or near bedding or drapes. Power cords should be plugged directly into outlets rather than an extension cord or power strip. A fire in the fireplace should never be left unattended, and a glass or metal fire screen should be used to keep fire and embers in the fireplace. A cooking range or oven should never be used to heat a home. Portable space heaters should be turned off every time the room is unoccupied or when everyone is asleep.

Several steps can also be taken to protect the entire family in the event of a winter storm. Family members should discuss what to do in the event of a winter storm watch or warning. Vehicles should be winterized and checked over by a mechanic, including ensuring that tires have adequate tread, to decrease the chance of being stranded in cold weather. An emergency kit should be kept in the car. The kit should include warm clothing and items that may be needed if someone is stuck in harsh weather, such as a windshield scraper, a brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna, and traction mats or a small sack of sand. The gas tank should be kept full. Non-clumping kitty litter can be used to make walkways less slippery, and snow removal equipment should be ready. All family members should have a warm coat, gloves or mittens, a hat, water-resistant boots, and extra blankets and warm clothing.

Winter storms can bring power outages. In the event of a power outage, flashlights, not candles, should be used. All unnecessary travel, especially by car, should be eliminated. When using a generator, be sure to use it outside in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Refrigerator and freezer doors should be kept closed as much as possible to keep foods from spoiling. All unnecessary electrical equipment and appliances should be turned off and unplugged, including sensitive electronics, as surges and spikes can damage equipment when the power comes back on.

When outside during a storm, people should have layers of clothing, a hat, mittens, and waterproof, insulated boots. Care should be taken when tackling strenuous tasks like shoveling snow in cold temperatures, and frequent breaks should be taken. People should check on their neighbors, especially elderly people living alone, people with disabilities, and children. Pets should be brought indoors. If they cannot be brought inside, they should be provided with enough shelter to keep them warm as well as a source of unfrozen water. When outdoors, it is important to look for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

If possible, travel on the roads should be avoided during severe weather. If driving is necessary, seat belts should be securely fastened on all passengers. The driver's full attention should be given to the road. Drivers should not follow other vehicles too closely, use cruise control, or pass snow plows. Drivers should keep in mind that ramps, bridges, and overpasses will freeze before roadways do. If stranded, passengers should remain with the vehicle, unless assistance is visible. To stay warm, people can run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour to use the heater. The car's exhaust pipe should be kept clear of snow, and a downwind window should be slightly open for ventilation. COVID-19 mitigation should be considered in travel plans, including face coverings for all passengers, hand sanitizer, and wipes.

Just before a winter storm, there are several steps that should be taken. Individuals should listen to local area radio, NOAA radio, or television stations for the latest news and updates. Individuals should be prepared to evacuate if necessary due to a loss of power or heat and know the routes to a local emergency shelter or other safe destination. Emergency kits should be checked and replenished, if necessary. People should confirm that there is ample heating fuel and be sure to clean and check the functioning of alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood- or coal-burning stoves, or space heaters. Companion animals should be brought inside, and horses and livestock should be provided with blankets and unimpeded access to shelter, food, and non-frozen water.

People can download the Red Cross Emergency app for instant access to weather alerts for their area and areas where loved ones live. Expert medical guidance and a hospital locator are included in the First Aid app in case travelers encounter any mishaps. Both apps are available to download for free in app stores or at http://www.redcross.org/apps.

For more information, readers may visit http://www.redcross.org or http://www.cruzrojaamericana.org.