Storm Tips

(WTNH) -- The following are storm tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during the storm.

AAA Driving Tips

• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Do not use cruise control.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
• If you become snow-bound, stay in your vehicle.
• Stay home.

AT&T Phone Tips

• Use Text Messaging: During an emergency situation, text messages go through quicker than voice calls because they require less system resources.
• Program Emergency Numbers: Make sure all your emergency numbers, including family members, the hospital, police and fire station, are in your phone.
• Limit non-emergency calls: Keeping calls to a minimum will conserve battery power and free up wireless networks for emergencies,
• Charge your wireless devices: Make sure all of your devices are charged before the storm arrives. Car chargers can be especially helpful to ensure you have back-up power.
• (5) Protect your device from the elements: Cold weather can cause your battery to drain faster. Don't exposure your device to cold for any extended period of time - don't leave it in your car overnight or take it outside with you shoveling or sledding.

State Police Storm Tips

• All motorists should stay off the roads and highways during the storm.
• If you must travel, make sure your vehicle is "storm ready" with proper tires, adequate gas, and proper wipers.
• Also, if you are traveling make sure to provide your travel details to a family member or friend.
• Check media reports prior to traveling to gather the latest updates on road conditions and possible closures.
• Make sure to have a fully-charged cell phone, bottles of water, nourishment bars or other non-perishable food, extra clothes, a shovel, flares and blankets in case of emergency. 

Connecticut Department of Public Heath Tips

To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Use portable generators outside and never in an enclosed area
• Don't bring outdoor grills inside
• Make sure furnace inlets and outlets are free of snow
• Clear car exhaust of snow

Red Cross Generator Safety Tips

• Do not operate a generator inside homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds, or other partially-enclosed spaces even if using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these spaces and can linger for hours, even after the generator is shut down.
• Operate the equipment ONLY outside and far from windows, doors and vents to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide gas from accumulating and potentially being drawn towards occupied spaces.
• Always place a portable generator downwind and point the engine exhaust away from occupied spaces.
• Shut down the generator when refueling. Always refuel the generator outside your home, garage or shed.
• Always read and follow the equipment Operator's Manual before use.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug-in carbon monoxide alarms with battery back-up according to the manufacturer's instructions. Smoke alarms do not detect carbon monoxide gas.
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using the portable generator, shut it off and get to fresh air right away. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.

USDA Food Safety Tips

• Keep an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer. An appliance thermometer will indicate the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer in case of a power outage and help determine the safety of the food.
• Make sure the freezer is at 0° F or below and the refrigerator is at 40° F or below.
• Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator or coolers after the power is out.
• Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately - this helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.
• Plan ahead and know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased.
• Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerator food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours. Purchase or make ice cubes and store in the freezer for use in the refrigerator or in a cooler. Freeze gel packs ahead of time for use in coolers.
• Group food together in the freezer - this helps the food stay cold longer.
• Store food on shelves that will be safely out of the way of contaminated water in case of flooding.

Steps to follow after the weather emergency:

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.
• The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) and the door remains closed.
• Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items after 4 hours without power.
• Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40° F or below when checked with a food thermometer.