[StBernard] Safety Tips. Assistance Offered for Extreme Wintry Conditions

[Westley Annis]

This is from the Lafourche Parish Government, but has some good advice for
everyone.

Westley


-----Original Message-----

 Parish Offers Safety Tips, Assistance for 
 Extreme Wintry Conditions

With below freezing conditions expected over the next several nights,
officials with the Lafourche Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness have
coordinated with the Department of Public Works as well as the Louisiana
Department of Transportation and Development to have materials and personnel
on stand-by in case bridges need to be cleared of ice. 

Louisiana State Police Troop C wants to warn drivers to not brake suddenly
in icy road conditions, as this may cause loss of control of the vehicle.
Instead, gently apply the brakes (if needed) and steer in the direction of
the skid without overcorrecting.  The most likely place to encounter icy
conditions over the next few days will be on bridges and overpasses.  Use
extreme caution when crossing these elevated structures, even if there is no
rain and the roadway appears dry.

The Lafourche Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness also offers the
following safety tips from State Fire Marshal Butch Browning for maintaining
a fire-safe home during these extremely cold temperatures:

.        Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not
only is it a safety hazard, but if the flame goes out on a gas stove, your
family would be at serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

.        Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms, or other areas
where they may come in contact with water. If you must use one, be sure not
to overload the circuit. Choose an extension cord the same amp size or
larger than the appliance electrical cord.

.        Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER
close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help
the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the
house. Also, never burn charcoal indoors.

.        Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm, and be
sure to check it and clean it on a monthly basis. 

If anyone is in a potentially life-threatening situation due to the freezing
weather conditions, contact the Lafourche Parish Office of Emergency
Preparedness for assistance at (985) 537-7603.