TOHSEP Provides Tips for Home Heating and Driving Safety During Winter Weather
01/21/2022 11:43 AM
During cold weather, the Terrebonne Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (TOHSEP) urges residents to be cautious when driving on slick roads and when heating homes.
Remember these tips for driving in winter weather:
- Pay attention to the temperature. It is recommended that you drive a little more cautiously in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit due to the possibility of black ice forming.
- Be alert. Morning and evening are prime times for black ice to form.
- Drive slowly. It can be difficult to stop if you are driving too fast over black ice. When you reach a patch of black ice, take your foot off the accelerator immediately.
TOHSEP also urges residents to use the following tips to heat your home safely:
- Keep flammable items at least three feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters, and candles.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
- Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.
For homes that are heated by portable generators:
- Do not place generators inside of any structure including garages, carports, and sheds, regardless of doors remaining open.
- Place generators at least 20 feet away from your home, your neighbors' homes, and downwind away from open doors, windows, and vents.
- Before refueling, turn the generator off and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet.
- Use a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord to plug appliances into generators.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Have a carbon monoxide monitor for your home.
During frigid weather, remember to protect the four P's:
- People
- Pets
- Plants
- Pipes