CONCORD, N.H. – Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) urges residents and visitors to take appropriate precautions and stay safe as a significant winter storm will bring snow, strong wind gusts, and scattered power outages to New Hampshire starting Thursday morning with worsening conditions throughout the day.
State emergency management officials held conference calls throughout the day with the Office of the Governor, and state and local partners to ensure statewide preparedness and coordination of resources. The State Emergency Operations Center will open at 8 a.m. Thursday coinciding with the start of storm.
The National Weather Service predicts up to 12 inches of snow along the coast and up to 8 inches statewide. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is also possible along the coast. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph along the coast and 40 mph statewide are expected to cause sporadic power outages. A winter storm warning has been issued for the entire state with a blizzard warning issued for the coast.
“Families should check emergency supplies, download and sign up for NH Alerts, the State’s free emergency notification service, avoid unnecessary travel, and offer to help neighbors when safe to do so.” Plummer said. “The most current safety recommendations concerning this storm are provided at ReadyNH.gov and on our Twitter feed, NH_HSEM.”
Plummer also made the following safety recommendations:
Visit ReadyNH.gov to learn more about keeping safe during emergencies and signup for NH Alerts, the State’s free emergency notification system.
Monitor radio and television weather reports to keep track of changing conditions.
Remember to keep outside vents for heaters and stoves clear of snow, as clogged vents may pose carbon monoxide dangers.
Clear snow from doorways to maintain a safe means of entrance and exit.
Check on neighbors and friends and offer help where needed.
Clear snow from fire hydrants, clearing a three foot path around the hydrant.
Avoid unnecessary travel.
If you must travel, let someone know when and where you will be traveling and when you expect to arrive:
Drive slowly and allow extra space between vehicles.
Do not crowd the plows or emergency workers.
Clear all snow of your car, including your car roof, around lights, and license plates.
Keep your gas tank at least half full.
Keep an emergency kit in your car:
A shovel
Windshield scraper and small broom
Flashlight
Battery powered radio
Extra batteries
Water
Snack food
Matches
Extra hats, socks and mittens
First aid kit with pocket knife
Necessary medications
Blanket(s)
Tow chain or rope
Road salt and sand
Booster cables
Emergency flares
Fluorescent distress flag
If you’re using an alternate heat source:
Only use alternate heat sources that are recommended for in home use.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Electrical space heaters should be plugged directly into an outlet and kept three feet away from combustibles, like curtains.
Never use a salamander type portable heater because they give off large amounts of carbon monoxide and are not safe for indoor use.
Use caution when thawing pipes with a device such as a hairdryer and only use such devices while you are present.
Remember to keep outside vents for heaters and stoves clear of snow, as clogged vents may also pose carbon monoxide dangers.
Do not use a gas range or oven as an alternate source of heat.
If you lose power:
Use flashlights, rather than candles, for emergency lighting.
Report power outages to your utility:
Eversource (800) 662-7764
Liberty Utilities (800) 375-7413
NH Electric Co-op (800) 343-6432
Unitil Capital Area: (800) 852-3339, Seacoast Region: (800) 582-7276
Remember generator safety:
Run generators outside and 10 feet away from windows, doors, vents and overhangs and keep exhaust pointed away from doors and windows.
Improper placement of generators and improper venting of heat sources are a major cause of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that can kill.
Wait for the generator to cool prior to refueling.
Only use a generator that has been properly connected to house wiring by a professional and with an interlock device to avoid back feeding to the power lines and injuring or killing a line worker or neighbor.
If you or anyone in the home thinks you are being poisoned by carbon monoxide:
The warning signs of CO poisoning are flu-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion, but without a fever.
Leave the house at once.
Call the fire department or 911.
Get medical attention.
New Hampshire Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management coordinates the State’s response to natural and human-caused disasters. NH HSEM also provides planning and training in preparation for possible terrorist attacks. For additional information about NH HSEM, go to www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/hsem. Follow NH HSEM updates on Twitter at twitter.com/NH_HSEM and Facebook at www.facebook.com/NH.HSEM. Also, sign up for the free NH Alerts service and download the free NH Alerts mobile app to receive location-specific emergency information via your landline, mobile and smartphones, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from NH HSEM. To learn more about the free NH Alerts service and to download the free NH Alerts app, visit: www.readynh.gov.