Winter Weather Safety

Vermont Department of Health, Vermont Emergency Management, the Vermont State Police, and Vermont Fire Safety encourage people to take care to remain safe and healthy during and after a winter storm.

If you have an emergency call 911

For road conditions dial 511 or visit 511vt.com

Safety Tips

Make a Plan and Be Prepared

As always, it is advisable to have an emergency preparedness kit on hand with some or all of the following items:

Flashlights and batteries in your home and car;
A battery-powered radio or NOAA weather radio to listen for advisories;
Bottled water; 1 gallon per person, per day is advised;
Non-perishable food for the home and car;
A first aid kit.

Digging Out

Use caution when digging out from the storm. Excessive snow shoveling can cause a range of health problems, from back injuries to heart attack, if not done in moderation. Vermonters should not over exert themselves and should take frequent breaks from shoveling.
Please help elderly neighbors and others who need assistance removing snow. Residents are also asked to check on the welfare of elderly neighbors and those with special needs during the storm – especially if there is a power outage in your area.

Carbon Monoxide Risks

Make absolutely sure all outside heating vents are clear of snow. A blocked vent can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home and CO poisoning.
Prolonged carbon monoxide exposure can be fatal, so it is imperative that vents be cleared as a blocked vent can create the danger of CO poisoning.
The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to flu, but without the fever and may include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. If you suspect that you are experiencing CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department for assistance from a safe location.
If power is lost and you run a generator, it is important that the generator is outdoors in a well ventilated area; an improperly operated generator can lead to CO poisoning; check your owner’s manual before operating a generator.
Also ensure your generator is installed according to manufacturers’ standards; an improperly installed generator can feed back onto power lines, creating a hazard to line workers.

Travel Safety