Clark County Fire & Rescue — Public Education

Be Prepared!

Have a disaster supply kit containing bedding, clothing, first aid supplies, flashlights, food, personal items, tools, and water to enable you to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours of any type of emergency. Click here for a comprehensive list of 72 hour kit supplies.
Have a battery-operated radio ready to listen for emergency instructions and weather forecasts.
Know the shut-off locations for your electricity, natural gas, and water, including underground sprinkler systems.
Have a professional perform annual inspections of your heating system and make any necessary repairs.
Insulate exposed water pipes with fiberglass or foam to protect them from freezing. Never use an open flame to thaw frozen pipes.
Test your smoke alarm every month and replace the batteries every six months.

Electrical Safety

In the event of a power outage, choose safe alternatives for lighting such as flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles or gas lanterns.
Never plug a portable generator into your home electrical outlet. Doing so could damage the wiring system of your home and cause injury to you or electric company workers miles away. If your generator is a permanent installation, be sure a licensed electrical contractor has installed the appropriate transfer switch to prevent dangerous feedback of electricity into power lines.
During a power outage, turn off major appliances to minimize power demands when the electricity is restored.
Leave one indoor light and one outdoor light turned on so electric company workers will know that your power has been restored.
Report power outages to your electric company and NEVER touch a downed power line!

Personal Safety

Dress appropriately for the weather conditions you may encounter when venturing outdoors. Wear a warm hat or scarf that doesn't block your vision. A significant amount of body heat is lost through your head. Use an umbrella during rainy weather to help keep your body dry and warm.
Don't overestimate how far you can walk on extremely cold, rainy, or snowy days.
Warm-up with light exercise before doing strenuous tasks in the cold (such as shoveling snow) and take frequent breaks.
Use extreme caution when stepping outside in icy conditions to get the mail, newspaper, or to walk the dog, particularly in the morning when it's coldest and the ice hasn't had a chance to melt.
Never operate a barbecue or a portable liquid fuel stove indoors! Unvented, these outdoor devices produce DEADLY carbon monoxide.

Auto Safety

Each fall have your car inspected to ensure it is in proper running condition. A breakdown during extreme weather can put you and your passengers in danger.
Replace worn tires, belts, leaking radiator hoses, and burned out light bulbs.
Make sure your radiator has appropriate antifreeze for the conditions you will encounter.
Have an emergency kit in your car equipped with blankets or a sleeping bag, flashlights, snacks, tools, and kitty litter or sand for traction. A shovel is also a good item to have on board.
Keep your gas tank more than half full. Should a power outage occur, you will have difficulty finding a service station that can fill your tank.
Make sure your exhaust system is in proper working order to prevent DEADLY carbon monoxide fumes from entering the passenger compartment.
If you plan to travel in the mountains, carry the appropriate chains or traction devices required by law.