Most people don’t associate the Houston area with severely cold weather.  While we do not experience the intense cold that the northern states experience, many times we find ourselves unprepared for the types of winter weather that Houston experiences.  Some of you may remember the February 1994 Houston Ice Storm or even more recently the February 2011 Severe Winter Weather that Houston experienced.  CESD would like to remind everyone to be prepared and cautious as we enter the colder months.

• When temperatures drop below normal, heat can leave your body more rapidly.
• Listen to weather forecasts.
• Check your emergency supplies:  a bad winter storm can resemble the effects of a hurricane.
• Be prepared for power failures and watch for icy roads.
• Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• When temperatures fall below freezing, remember to protect the 4Ps:
  • People, Pets, Plants, Pipes

Heating Checklist

• Have your chimney or flue inspected each year if you plan to use it.
• Space heaters and fireplaces increase the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.  REMEMBER, SPACE HEATERS NEED SPACE (minimum 3 feet)
• Never leave children unattended near a space heater or candles.
• Never use an electric generator indoors or inside the garage because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Cooking and Lighting Checklist

• Never use charcoal grills or a portable gas camp stove indoors, fumes are deadly.
• Have no-cook food on hand and a manual can opener.
• Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns.
• Avoid using candles.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.

More information:  www.ready.gov/winter or emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/

January ESD meeting is regularly 1/24/12 at 6:30 pm.  Check website to confirm date.

www.championsfire.org

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Twitter:   @ChampionsESD