Generators, flashlights, Duraflame® logs, and portable heaters… Yep, there’s an ice storm a brewin’ something fierce and if you aren’t hunkered down with rations, you may find yourself in the cold darkness. Here’s the Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing guide to making like REO and riding the storm out:
- Prepare Flashlights, Candles, and the Fireplace
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- If you have a fireplace, it is a great time to use one when the lights go out and your home starts to get cold. Be sure the flue is open and
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- you know what you’re doing. Also keep a box of flashlights, candles, and matches/lighters ready to go. If you use the candles, be very cautious so you don’t start any fires.
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- Be Careful with Space HeatersIf a space heater is left unattended it has the potential to start a house
fire. Anything could happen, from an electrical failure to combustible objects nearby catching fire. Also, be sure an adult is present if children and/or pets are around. Never leave these things unattended
- Be Careful with Space HeatersIf a space heater is left unattended it has the potential to start a house
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- Generator Checklist If the power goes out and you have a portable generator, make sure to keep it outside—if used inside, it could emit carbon monoxide and kill you within minutes. Place it about 15-20 feet away from the house and be cautious of wind direction so you don’t have toxic fumes blowing towards the house. Don’t overflow the tank with fuel—it can overflow to the hot engine and ignite, essentially blowing up the system. Use a 3-prong extension cord with at least 12-gauge wiring or larger. Tip: if you’ve had a furnace installed by Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing since 2007, you will (most likely) have a generator cord designed specifically for situations
when you need to maintain a functioning furnace in extreme conditions. Use it!
- Generator Checklist If the power goes out and you have a portable generator, make sure to keep it outside—if used inside, it could emit carbon monoxide and kill you within minutes. Place it about 15-20 feet away from the house and be cautious of wind direction so you don’t have toxic fumes blowing towards the house. Don’t overflow the tank with fuel—it can overflow to the hot engine and ignite, essentially blowing up the system. Use a 3-prong extension cord with at least 12-gauge wiring or larger. Tip: if you’ve had a furnace installed by Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing since 2007, you will (most likely) have a generator cord designed specifically for situations
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- Move Your Car! If your vehicle is located on a busy street or the main road, be sure to move
it. It could easily be hit by someone else losing control or it could
be damaged from excessive snow piled up from plows.
- Move Your Car! If your vehicle is located on a busy street or the main road, be sure to move
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- St. Louis Power Outage Hotline Phone Number is 1-800-552-7583
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- Be a Good Neighbor You may want to check on your neighbors to see if they need
flashlights, batteries, candles, or extra firewood.
- Be a Good Neighbor You may want to check on your neighbors to see if they need
- Stay Safe and Be Extra Cautious With ice covering everything, it can become very heavy and pull down power lines and tree branches. Not to mention it’s very slick! Put the salt rock down on walkways and check on elderly friends and family members.
Probably the best rule of them all: if you don’t need to leave the
house—DON’T! Hope you all stay warm for the storm!