Dangerous Storm On Its Way: Get Errands Done Early

Another dangerous winter storm is advancing on Maine to affect the entire state beginning Saturday afternoon, through Sunday and into Monday. The National Weather Service has posted Blizzard Warnings for the entire coast, and inland into Central Maine. Winter Storm Warnings are in place over the western mountains and the north. 

The storm will begin to affect southwestern sections this afternoon, then spread to the east and north by the evening. Sunday will see blizzard conditions likely, with high winds, frigid temperatures and blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard and storm warnings extend into Monday morning in some areas. 

The National Weather Service cautions that: 

"Heavy snow and blowing snow will make travel extremely hazardous and could make some roads
impassable. High winds may cause some power outages. Wind chills approaching 20 below zero will increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite."

Governor Paul R. LePage is [reminding Mainers to put safety first and help neighbors weather the storm](http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Portal+News&id=637848&v=article-2014 )

##Stay Informed

* [National Weather Service Gray](http://www.weather.gov/gyx ) * [NWS Gray on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/NWSGray ) * [National Weather Service Caribou](http://www.weather.gov/car ) * [NWS Caribou on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/NWSCaribou ) * [NWS Gray Emergency Managers Self-Briefing Page](http://www.weather.gov/gyx/emhome ) * [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 )

##Stay Safe

* Check your emergency supplies, do errands early, then **stay off the roads** to keep yourself safe and assist crews in clearing snow. * If you must travel, use extreme care and respect any local road closures or restrictions. Visibility will be near zero at times from blowing and drifting snow. * Check in with friends and neighbors who may need help weathering the storm * If you lose power, use generators or alternate heat sources safely * Run generators outside only, 15 feet away from doors or windows, with exhaust pointing away from the house * Keep heater and appliance vents clear; carbon monoxide can back up into the home if vents are clogged * After the storm, Don't overdo it - When clearing snow take frequent breaks. Shoveling is strenuous work and can lead to a number of health problems ranging from a back injury to cardiac issues. Dress properly for conditions to avoid frostbite or hypothermia. * Again, see if a friend or neighbor needs help clearing out. 

##Special Message about Carbon Monoxide Safety

Maine and all of New England have seen an increase in carbon monoxide poisoning during this stretch of heavy snow. Everyone should check their generator setups, and make sure all external heating vents are clear of snow. Then take a moment to think of friends and neighbors who may need help doing this and check on them as well. 

* [See the Maine CDC / MEMA Fact Sheet on Carbon Monoxide Safety](http://www.maine.gov/mema/prepare/prep_display.shtml?163548 )

Warning signs of CO poisoning are flu-like symptoms without fever (such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion). CO poisoning can also result in coma and death. CO is an odorless gas emitted when burning most fuels. Improper operation or placement of alternative heating or generators, or clogged heater vents can result in poisoning when CO gas builds-up in enclosed spaces. 

The following publications are courtesy of the MaineCDC: 

* [Carbon Monoxide Safety Fact Sheet](http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=65008&an=1 ) * [Generator Safety Door Hanger](http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=65009&an=1 ) * [Generator Safety Flyer](http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=65010&an=1 )