EMFD commissioners offer winter safety tips

With winter upon us, extreme cold weather is almost certain to occur. Staying warm and dry is essential when temperatures drop below freezing at 32 degrees, and wind chills make it feel even colder.

There are several things that you can do to help yourself and others stay safe when the temperatures fall.

■ Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause severe injury and even death. All homes are required by law to have CO alarms on every level in the house.

■ Never use a gasoline or propane-fueled generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage — even if doors and windows are open. Instead, keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors, and vents. When using a generator, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

■ Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Deaths and serious injuries may occur by burning charcoal or using camp stoves in enclosed spaces, producing dangerous, lethal CO levels.

■ Do not heat your home with a gas or electric stovetop or oven.

■ Exercise caution when using candles. If possible, use flashlights instead, or con- sider using LED candles. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave the room or go to bed.

■ Keep emergency supplies in your car, including jumper cables, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, gloves, hats, bottled water, and nonperishable snacks. In addition, a snow shovel and bag of sand can come in handy.

■ Don’t venture out if weather-related advisories are issued to stay off the roads — shelter in place at your home or business.

■ Stay indoors and limit your time outside as much as possible. If you must go out, wear layers of clothing and restrict physical activities. Also, use snow and ice melting products or sand to provide traction on slick steps, walkways and ramps.

■ If it is safe, check on your neighbors who may need assistance — older adults and people with disabilities are more at risk in extreme cold.

■ Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

■ Monitor the media for updated information on the storm and actions to take. Then, follow the directions provided by local or state officials regarding emergency actions.

■ When clearing snow from your driveway and sidewalk, please remember to do your part by clearing a path around a fire hydrant that may be on or near your property. By doing so, you can help the East Meadow Fire Department locate and utilize the nearest hydrant in the event of a fire.

For more safety tips and other important information, visit.eastmeadowfd.com.

The East Meadow Fire Department, which covers East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Westbury (Salisbury), is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel, no experience is necessary. The fire department provides the training required. There are numerous benefits associated with volunteering, including tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance, and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit eastmeadowfd.com, or call (516) 542-4565.

The eMFd says to never use charcoal grills or camp stoves in the home.