A significant amount of snow has fallen in the county over the last few days and more is on the way. As a result, possible problems for Frederick County residents may develop. Use the following points during this winter weather event to help protect yourselves and to prevent needless deaths and injuries.

• Make sure your home is protected with working smoke and carbon monoxide (detectors) alarms.
• Continue to stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to travel.  Staying off the roads allows snow removal crews to clear the roads better and reduces the chances of getting  stuck or in a car crash.
• If you are outside, ice is making walking/shoveling very hazardous, take extra care with your footing.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Take frequent breaks. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.  Should a sudden onset of chest pain occur, call 9-1-1.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from any heat source. Make sure your stove or fireplace ashes stored in a fire resistant container with a cover and keep the container outdoors and away from all buildings/structures.
• If there is a fire hydrant near your home or building get it shoveled out, hydrants should be clear for three feet in every direction, including access thereto.
• Check on the welfare of your neighbors, especially elderly or infirm and assist them in any way you can.
• Do not attempt to shovel your roof.  Your weight can cause the roof to fail.  If you are concerned about your roof failing, relocate.
• Park your cars in a driveway or other location so crews can clear the streets properly.

In the event of a power failure, the following tips are provided:

• Free standing candles are a leading source for fires during a power outage; If you use candles, use a broad based candle holder or place the candle in the middle of a large ceramic dinner plate for safety.
• Kerosene lanterns should be placed away from combustible material and located so they will not be knocked over.
• Make sure alternative heating devices are at least 36 inches from combustible materials and keep a window slightly cracked to help avoid the buildup up of carbon monoxide.
• Generators must be located outside of the home.  Do not run a generator inside enclosed spaces, such as a garage.