"Travel conditions could be very difficult with the snow and blowing snow, impacting the commute tomorrow morning and evening," said MEMA Director Peter Rogers, in a Dec. 16 news release. "We've been planning with the key partners to ensure the safety of Maine residents and address issues that could arise due to the storm."

Those in danger of running out of heating fuel should contact their fuel company as soon as possible and be sure to clear a path to the fuel pipes and tank to expedite the delivery process. Lowering the temperature in your home can help conserve fuel, but the temperature should not be set below 55 degrees to avoid pipes from freezing.

To prevent frozen pipes:

- Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing, typically those near outer walls, in crawl spaces or in the attic. Use insulation made especially for this purpose.

- Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL-approved).

- Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.

- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

- Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall.

- Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to uninsulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.

- If you plan to be away, have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or perhaps drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).

If pipes freeze:

- Make sure you and your family know how to shut off the water in case pipes burst. Stopping the flow of water can minimize the damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.

- Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

Those using alternate heat sources should be sure to follow the manufacturers guidelines. Generators should not be used inside or in an enclosed space such as a porch or garage. They must be properly installed and situated at least 15 feet away from a home or business. Those using generators or alternate heat sources should also have working Carbon Monoxide detectors.

Those who must seek shelter elsewhere should have a plan in place to identify where they will go and how they will get there if they dont have transportation. Those with accessibility challenges should contact family, neighbors or emergency services to ensure their needs will be met.

 

State officials recommend staying off the roads during this storm. If you must travel, please consider the following:

- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area such as a garage to avoid Carbon Monoxide poisoning - Make sure tires are properly inflated and in good condition - Check windshield wiper fluid

- Ensure the vehicle is clear of all ice and snow

- Never mix radial tires with other types of tires

- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid the gas line freezing up or running out of gas and becoming stranded

- Bring a fully-charged cell phone with roadside assistance numbers in your contacts

- If you become stranded in your vehicle, stay with the vehicle and tie a brightly-colored cloth to the antenna or use another type of distress signal

- Run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill in order to conserve gas Be sure to let someone know when and where you will be traveling and when you expect to arrive at your destination.

For additional preparedness, shelter and safety information, please visit MainePrepares.com, or visit MEMA on Facebook or Twitter. Shelter information is also available by calling 2-1-1 or contacting your local town office, fire or police department.