Page 26 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 EMERGENCY | FROM PAGE 24 the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). • Keep your pets safe with MEMA’s Winter Pet Safety Tips. • Dress for the season to protect against the elements. Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. • During extreme cold weather, follow MEMA’s Extreme Cold Safety Tips. • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. After a winter storm • Continue to monitor media for emergency information. • Follow instructions from public safety officials. • Call 911 to report emergencies, including downed power lines and gas leaks. • Check with your local authorities or call 211 to find locations of warming centers or shelters near you or for other storm-related questions. • In the event of power outages during cold weather, you might need to go to a warming center or emergency shelter to stay warm. Report power outages to your utility company. • Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live. • Stay off streets and roads until they are clear of snow. • Use caution and take frequent breaks when shoveling snow to prevent overexertion. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter. • Clear exhaust vents from direct vent gas furnace systems to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working – it is a silent, odorless killer. • Clear snow from around vehicle exhaust pipes before starting the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. • Make sure emergency generators or secondary heating systems are well ventilated because their fumes contain carbon monoxide. See MEMA’s Generator Safety Tips. • Dig out fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood. • Clear snow from the sidewalk on your property, including nearby curb cuts, to allow access for wheelchair users. Regulations and requirements for homeowners and businesses to clear sidewalks vary by community, but even if not required, please clear sidewalks to make safe travel for all. • Property owners and businesses should clear snow from walkways, entrances and access ramps and handicapped parking spots and might be required to do so. • Check your roof and clear accumulated snow to avoid roof collapses. • Don’t park too close to corners so public safety vehicles and plows can maneuver safely. • Be aware of children playing in the streets, particularly climbing on or running out from behind large snowdrifts. Parents should remind their children to be aware of plowing operations and traffic. • Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions and those who might need additional assistance.
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