[emo-news] New Yorkers Urged to Get Ready for Winter

[Emergency Management News - Norwich, NY]

NEW YORKERS URGED TO GET READY FOR WINTER
“Safety First” Is Seasonal Message; Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms
 
The New York State Office of Emergency Management Office (NYS OEM) today 
reminded New Yorkers that while the official start of winter is still eight 
weeks away they shouldbegin preparations now to ensure their safety at home and 
on the road during the season ahead.
 
“Winter is a time for many sporting and cultural activities, but winter-like 
weather also poses many challenges,” said OEM Director Andrew X. Feeney. “Winter 
storms can surface anywhere at this time of year. And those storms may bring 
with them treacherous driving conditions and frigid temperatures. Recent history 
has seen severe weather and heavy snows strike during the fall, especially 
around the Great Lakes, in the North Country and in the Catskill Mountains.  
Individuals and families should have a plan in place to know what to do for any 
emergency.”
 
The Director issued this advice as part of NYS OEM’s annual winter preparedness 
message in advance of New York State’s observance of Winter Weather Awareness 
Week, which runs from this Sunday, October 24, through October 30. The winter 
season officially begins December 21.
 
Feeney said, “Think safety first.” He urged homeowners and landlords to have 
their heating systems checked now by professionals to ensure they are working as 
fuel-efficient and safe as possible throughout the winter heating season to 
avoid the perils of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

 
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer.  Accidental poisonings 
claim about 400 lives each year in the United States.  Carbon monoxide is a 
colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by such common items as home 
heating systems, obstructed chimneys and automotive exhaust. The gas can also be 
produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other 
cooking and heating items when used improperly during the winter months.  
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and 
dizziness. Feeney said that if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate 
the area and get to a hospital.
 
“Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using heaters and stoves to ensure 
these devices are properly installed and vented,” he said “Homeowners should 
have their fireplace examined by a professional, including their chimney flue, 
to make sure there is no build-up of creosote which is a common cause of chimney 
fires.”
 
The OEM Director cautioned that generators should never be run indoors and to 
open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater.  People should never use 
charcoal to cook indoors and never use a gas oven to heat the residence.
 
State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison said that a new state law, known as 
Amanda’s Law, went into effect in February 2010, requiring that carbon monoxide 
alarms be installed in all new and existing one and two-family dwellings, 
multi-family dwellings and rentals that have fuel-burning appliances, heating 
systems or attached garages. Homes built before Jan. 1, 2008, will be permitted 
to have battery-powered alarms, while homes built after that date will need to 
have the alarms hard-wired in. 

 
“Most carbon monoxide poisoning incidents happen during the winter months, 
mainly because of the increased use of fuel-burning appliances and heating 
systems,” Madison said. “The only safe way to detect this gas is with a carbon 
monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide alarms save lives.” 

 
Feeney urged motorists to have their vehicles thoroughly inspected before the 
start of the winter driving season, including their tires, wipers and exhaust 
systems.  “As the weather turns colder, never run a motor vehicle in a closed 
garage,” he said.  

 
Motorists are advised to make sure their vehicles are stocked with survival gear 
such as blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, 
battery booster cables, some quick energy foods and a brightly-colored cloth to 
use as a distress flag in the event of a breakdown.
 
Winter conditions also present challenges for drivers throughout the State. 
“When a storm is forecast,” Feeney said, “Ask yourself:  Do I really have to 
drive? If the answer is yes, give yourself extra time, plan your stops, clean 
all the snow off your car, be extra alert and always match your speed to road 
conditions.”
 
He said people should be aware of local weather conditions by tuning to local 
television and radio stations or the NOAA Weather Radio and then plan activities 
accordingly. The best way to get emergency information, Feeney said, is from 
NY-ALERT, the State’s all-hazards alert and notification system. To subscribe to 
this free service, visit www.nyalert.gov. 

 
For more information on how individuals can be better prepared for emergencies 
and for the winter months ahead, visit www.semo.state.ny.us.
 
For more information on carbon monoxide, visit the Office of Fire Prevention and 
Control website at http://dos.state.ny.us/fire/COtoolkit.htm .
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