Section · 5 guides
Power and heat
Carbon monoxide alarms, portable generators, space heaters and frozen pipes, with every safety rule taken from CPSC, CDC, NFPA and Ready.gov.
Winter Storm Preparedness: Gear for Home, Car and Power Outages
How to prepare for a winter storm before, during and after it hits, with the Ready.gov and NWS checklists and the gear for snow, power, the car and warmth.Start hereCarbon Monoxide Detectors and Generator Safety in a Winter Storm
Where to put CO alarms, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how far a generator must be from your home, taken from CPSC, CDC and NFPA guidance.AnswerHow to Prevent Frozen Pipes: Heat Tape, Insulation and Covers
Which pipes freeze first, the Red Cross steps to stop them freezing, how to install heat tape safely per CPSC, and how to thaw a frozen pipe without a flame.FixPortable Generators for Winter Outages: Size, Fuel and Placement
How to size a portable generator from appliance wattages, why CPSC recommends a CO shut-off, and how to place, fuel and connect it safely in a winter outage.How-toSpace Heaters and Propane Heaters: Safe Use in a Winter Storm
Electric space heater safety from CPSC, NFPA and USFA, how to power one in an outage, and what CPSC and maker manuals allow for indoor-rated propane heaters.Answer