Winter power outages: generators, CO and frozen pipes
Run generators outdoors at least 20 feet from windows and doors, never heat with a gas stove or oven, use battery-backed CO alarms, and drip taps on exterior walls so pipes don't freeze.
Information may be delayed or incomplete. Always verify with official sources and follow local officials.
Generators and carbon monoxide
Winter storms often knock out heat and power. Ready.gov says to use a generator only outdoors and away from windows, and never to heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
“Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.”Ready.gov, Power Outages
“Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows and never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.”Ready.gov, Winter Weather
Install working carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and can kill you, your family and pets (Ready.gov: Power outages).
Keep the generator dry. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock. Let it cool before you refuel. Use heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords (Ready.gov: Winter weather).
Keep pipes from freezing
“Leave indoor water taps on exterior walls slightly open so they drip continuously.”EPA, Winter Weather and Indoor Air Quality
EPA also says to keep the indoor temperature from going too low, open cabinet doors so warm air can reach pipes under sinks and near outer walls, and shut off outdoor spigots before freezing weather arrives.
If a pipe freezes, do not thaw it with a torch. Thaw it slowly with warm air from an electric hair dryer. If a pipe bursts, shut off the water valve, then dry wet walls and floors quickly to limit mold (EPA: Winter weather and indoor air quality).
If you have to go out
Ready.gov says to stay off roads if you can, limit time outside, wear layers, and watch for frostbite and hypothermia. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
Heating with a space heater, fireplace or wood stove? See Space heater and home heating safety. Driving in snow or ice? See Winter driving and your car emergency kit. Bitter cold? See Extreme cold, frostbite and hypothermia.
For live winter warnings and your state's outage map, open Winter storms and Power outages, or pick your state on the States page.