With a major snow event in the forecast for much of the commonwealth, the Red Cross offers the following steps to keep you and your family safe this winter season:

HEAT YOUR HOME SAFELY

Home heating is the second leading cause of fires in this country. To reduce the risk of heating related fires, the Red Cross recommends these steps:

• All heaters need space. Keep children, pets and things that can burn (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.

• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs, carpets or near bedding or drapes. Plug power cords directly into outlets - never into an extension cord or power strip.

• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended, and use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire and embers in the fireplace.

• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.

• Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep.

IF OUTSIDE DURING THE STORM

• Wear layers of clothing, a hat, mittens and waterproof, insulated boots.

• Be careful when tackling strenuous tasks like shoveling snow in cold temperatures. Take frequent breaks.

• Check on your neighbors, especially elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

• Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.

• Watch for hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia symptoms include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Frostbite symptoms include numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.

TRAVEL SAFETY

Stay off the road if possible during severe weather. If you must drive in winter weather, follow these tips:

• Make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road.

• Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways.

• Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather.

• Don’t pass snow plows.

• Ramps, bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways.

• If you become stranded, stay in your vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible.

• Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.

• Be sure to include COVID mitigation in your plans. Make sure that everyone has face coverings, hand sanitizer and wipes to help limit contact with surfaces that could potentially spread the COVID-19 virus.

POWER OUTAGES

• Use flashlights in the dark, not candles.

• If you are using a generator be sure you understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator indoors or in a garage. It must be kept outside in a well-ventilated area.

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.

• Turn off and unplug all electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.