More Snow Today, Clear Clogged Vents

The National Weather Service has posted Winter Storm Warnings for all of Maine today, extending into Saturday. NWS is advising that traveling will be hazardous, and that those who must travel should ensure their vehicles are equipped for winter weather. 

##Clean up, clear out and stay safe

As this snow moves in, Mainers should also make sure that all heating vents are clear of snow. Tuesday's blizzard heaped up snow drifts around buildings and vents, and many cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings have been reported around new England as CO backed up into buildings from clogged vents. Check your own vents, and then check on friends and neighbors to see if they need help clearing theirs. Carbon monoxide kills. 

###[Learn more about carbon monoxide poisoning and how to prevent it]
(http://www.maine.gov/mema/prepare/prep_display.shtml?163548 )

Also ensure that oil tanks are protected from snow and ice falling from the roof. Broken oil lines and filters can cause serious oil spills. 

As you dig out from Tuesday's and today's snows, help your local fire department by clearing out around fire hydrants. 

In addition, especially after today's snow, pay attention to snow on the roof of homes, businesses and barns. Get out the roof rake for slanted roofs. If possible, shovel flat roofs clear, but only if it is determined that the roof is safe to stand upon. Exercise care when on the roof to avoid potentially dangerous falls - both roofs and ladders can become extremely slippery from snow and ice. 

As always, once your home is all set, take a moment to think about friends and neighbors who may need help clearing their vents, shoveling out or clearing their roofs. 

##Stay informed throughout this and every storm: 

* [National Weather Service Gray](http://www.weather.gov/gyx ) * [NWS Gray on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/NWSGray ) * [NWS Gray Emergency Managers Self-Briefing Page](http://www.weather.gov/gyx/emhome ) * [National Weather Service Caribou](http://www.weather.gov/car ) * [NWS Caribou on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/NWSCaribou ) * [NWS Caribou Emergency Managers Self-Briefing Page](http://www.weather.gov/car/emhome ) * [MaineDOT Travel Information Service](http://511maine.gov/ ) * MEMA Emergency and Safety Information: [MEMA Website](http://www.maine.gov/mema ) and [Maine Prepares](http://www.maineprepares.com ) * To report an oil spill at your home or business: (800) 482-0777 [See DEP's website for more information](http://www.maine.gov/dep/how-do-i/how-do-i.html?id=323056 )