If you are using an alternative heating source during an outage, know how to use it safely and gather all supplies. To help you and your family stay warm during an outage, dress warmly, cover windows at night, close off unneeded rooms, and place draft blocks at the bottom of doors. To protect your circuits and appliances when power is restored, switch off lights and unplug appliances. Leave one light switch on as a quick reminder that the power is restored.

Only venture outside if necessary. Downed power lines could be submerged in snow and ice, making them difficult to see. If you must go outside, use caution and treat all downed and hanging lines as if they are energized. Stay away, warn others to stay away, and immediately contact your utility.

If travel is necessary, be especially cautious driving, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Its supplies should include a windshield scraper, first aid kit, cell phone charging adaptor, booster cables, blanket, and flashlight with extra batteries. Never drive over a downed line because that could pull down the pole and other equipment, causing additional hazards.

If you are in an accident where a downed line is involved, your first instinct might be to get out and run, but that could cost you your life. In most cases, the safest place to be is inside your vehicle. Wait there until electric utility workers de-energize the power. If your car is on fire or you see smoke, escape as safely as possible by making a clean, solid jump out and hop away with both feet together as far as you can. Warn others not to approach the scene.