PROLONGED COLD WEATHER SAFETY CHECKLIST

Extended periods of below-freezing temperatures increase the risk of fires, carbon monoxide emergencies, frozen pipes, and medical emergencies. The Stamford Fire Department urges residents to take the steps below to protect lives and property during a prolonged cold snap.

PREPARE FOR EXTENDED COLD

Home, heat, and fire safety

• Test all smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed.
• Ensure working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas.
• Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible. Heating equipment, blocked vents, generators, and vehicles can produce deadly levels quickly.
• If you need a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector, call 203-977-5500.
• Have a safe, primary heat source. Do not overload electrical outlets.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
• Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Never use ovens, grills, propane heaters, or charcoal indoors.

Power and Utilities

• Charge phones, battery packs, and radios daily.
• Test generators before use and operate them outdoors only, far from doors and windows.
• Know how to shut off your home's water supply in case pipes freeze or burst.
• Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
• Allow a slow drip from faucets during extreme cold to reduce freezing risk.

Food, water, and medications

• Maintain enough food and drinking water for several days.
• Keep ready-to-eat food that does not require cooking.
• Refill critical prescriptions and medical supplies early.
• Check that medical devices have backup power if required.

DURING THE DEEP FREEZE

Heat and carbon monoxide safety

• Keep vents, chimneys, and exhaust pipes clear of snow and ice.
• Never run vehicles inside garages, even with the door open.
• Use fireplaces safely and ensure dampers are open before use.
• If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move everyone outside and call 911.

Cold exposure and health

• Limit time outdoors. Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
• Avoid alcohol. It increases heat loss.
• Check indoor temperatures, especially in bedrooms.

Community safety

• Check on elderly neighbors, people with medical needs, and those without reliable heat.
• Bring pets indoors. Animals are vulnerable to extreme cold.

AFTER PROLONGED COLD

Home inspection and recovery

• Inspect exposed pipes for leaks or cracks once temperatures rise.
• Safely thaw frozen pipes using warm air, never open flame.
• Clear furnace and dryer vents to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
• Ensure fire hydrants near your home remain clear at least 3 feet in all directions.

Ongoing awareness

• Continue monitoring weather and local safety updates.
• Restock emergency supplies as soon as conditions allow.
• Report heating issues, outages, or unsafe conditions promptly.

KEY MESSAGE

Extended cold.
Fire risk.
Carbon monoxide danger.
Protect heat sources. Check neighbors. Stay safe.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Stamford Fire Department
629 Main Street
Stamford, CT

Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 203-977-5555
Public Relations and Detector Assistance: 203-977-5500