Making for a safe snow day

As you cope with the snowstorm's aftermath, Chester County officials have put together some safety measures you should keep in mind.

- Try to stay inside. If you must go out, wear multiple layers of light clothing, gloves, and a hat that covers your mouth.

- Be careful not to overexert, especially when shoveling snow; drink liquids to stay hydrated.

- If you have to travel, make sure your vehicle is full of gas and inform others of your itinerary. Assemble an emergency kit for your car: first aid supplies, a flashlight with fresh batteries, and bottled water.

- Never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed space such as a garage.

- If using a fireplace, burn only seasoned wood, not trash or paper, and use a fireplace screen to keep embers inside.

- Keep furniture and other materials away from space heaters, which should be turned off when owners leave the room or go to sleep.

- Install a carbon-monoxide alarm in sleeping areas or basements if you use appliances that burn gas, wood or kerosene. Such appliances can emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that claims many lives every year.

Do not tie up 911 lines for power outages; call PECO at 1-800-841-4141. In New Jersey, contact PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734 or Atlantic City Electric at 1-800-833-7476   Kathleen Brady Shea0