Gov. Blunt Urges Preparedness, Generator Safety in Wake of Winter Storms

Missouri Governor's Office Press Release             JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Matt Blunt today urged Missourians to protect their homes, purchase additional food and an alternate heating source before the next round of winter storms.  Missouri is experiencing the first rounds of winter weather including extremely cold temperatures, freezing rain and snow.              "Many Missourians experienced power outages from the ice and winter storms that hit our state in December 2007 and February 2008.  My first concern is for the safety of our citizens.  I strongly encourage Missouri families to ensure they are prepared for winter storms with the appropriate supplies and to stay updated on the latest storm information including the Department of Transportation's Road Closure information," Gov. Blunt said.             Missouri families should consider purchasing additional water and food that can be prepared without cooking in case there are power outages. They should make sure there are extra batteries for a radio and create and keep a winter vehicle kit in their vehicle's trunk. This includes a blanket, a spare radio with batteries, snacks or energy-type food, jumper cables, flares, a shovel, sand or shingles to give their tires traction.             With recent power outages fresh in Missourians' memories, it makes sense to secure an alternate fuel source such as firewood, heater, or a generator. Make sure your fireplace functions properly. If you have a kerosene heater, refill the heater outside and remember to keep the heater at least 3 feet away from flammable objects. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat when charcoal is burned to heat your home.             Before purchasing a generator read the labels on lighting, appliances, and equipment you plan to connect to the generator to determine the amount of power that will be needed to operate the equipment. Choose a generator that produces more power than will be drawn by a combination of lighting, appliances and equipment you plan to connect to the generator. Remember the initial power surge. If your equipment draws more power than the generator can produce, you may blow a fuse on the generator or damage your equipment.             Follow the installation directions supplied with your generator. Never use portable generators indoors, especially inside a closed garage. Adequate ventilation is necessary when running a generator. Proper refueling measures, outlined in the owner's manual, must be carefully followed. Make sure you have properly working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms inside your home. Let your generator cool down before refueling. Do not store fuel in a garage, basement or anywhere inside your home. Vapors released from the fuel can cause illnesses, a potential fire or explosion hazard.             Connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not hook up a generator to your home's electrical service. Home use generators do not supply enough amperage to supply sufficient power to run the furnace, lighting, electronic equipment and appliances simultaneously. Unless your home power supply was installed with a disconnect to the main power feeding lines, power you put into your home from a generator could "backfeed" into the main line and cause problems for the utility company and you.           For more information check these websites: Missouri's Ready in 3 program: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3 SEMA: http://sema.dps.mo.gov/semapage.htm then click on the 2008 Winter Awareness Link. Missouri Dept of Transportation's Road Conditions: www.modot.org NWS St. Louis Winter Campaign: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/?n=winterday NWS's Winter Brochure: http://www.weather.gov/os/brochures/winterstorm.pdf -- http://MissouriNetizen.com http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.missourinetizen.com