Two agencies give tips to follow during a winter storm

JACKSON, TN (WNBJ) - With weather conditions expected to get worse and possible snow and ice predicted. Two agencies talk about do’s and don’ts to follow during a winter storm.

“You know if it’s a power outage a lot of people like to use alternate sources of light such as candles. Avoid doing that as much as possible. You always run the risk of knocking it over, catching something on fire on accident,” said Anna Kate Craig, the Community Risk Reduction Coordinator with the Madison County Fire Depart.

The Madison County Fire Department also wants to warn the public about heating your homes.

“It’s making sure you got heaters and heating sources three feet away from anything that could catch fire. Sometimes we are moving around space heaters trying to get them a little bit closer to us but if you forget about it that causes a hazard,” said Craig.

The American Red Cross wants to inform the public of other household tips to follow during a winter storm.

“One of the things that are very important to do, especially if your water pipes to your kitchen sink or your bathroom sink is facing an exterior wall is to open up your cabinets doors to keep warm airflow going into that area. That will help your pipes from freezing as well as keeping a slow drip going in your faucet,” said Sherri McKinney, the Regional Director of Communications with the American Red Cross - Tennessee Region.

They also want people to remember to keep their pets safe during these winter weather conditions.

“Be sure you bring your pets inside during a winter storm like this one. Temperatures will be frigid and yes, even though they carry around a fur coat, so it’s important to bring them into a warm area of your house,” said McKinney.

The Red Cross also says to put some hay inside their doghouse and leave a blanket for them so the pet can stay warm.