Power outage safety tips

When trying to stay warm, be careful of what you use, say officials with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department.

Only use appliances approved for indoor use and always follow the manufacturer's use and care guide.

"Any type of gas grills, any coal heating type devices would be strictly not recommended at all," said assistant fire chief Mark Hasheider.

There are some auxiliary nonvented gas heaters that can be placed inside, however they have certain restrictions for use like a window cracked for air ventilation.

Hasheider cautioned against using a gas stove for heat.

"They're not designed to run for an extended period of time," Hasheider said. "They're definitely not designed to heat a house."

The stove itself can become too hot and transfer that heat to nearby combustibles like wood cabinets. Putting off a steady flame from a gas burner can also pose a threat to people in the homes.

"That is a gas appliance, so carbon monoxide can be produced," Hasheider said.

When using a gas stove for cooking, the carbon monoxide levels are safe.

"But you turn all the burners on the oven on, that could create some carbon monoxide concerns," he said.

The cause of deaths in storms last year in southwest Missouri and areas with similar storm trouble was problems with improper use of heating appliances.

The fire department has been responding to downed electrical lines, and people needing assistance on top of the regular calls for emergency medical service and alarm soundings.

When lines are down they coordinate with pub works to either remove trees or barricade streets with lines in them. If you find power lines down, stay away from the area, be careful around trees and call the fire department at 334-3211 or public works at 334-9151.

"All power lines should be treated as energized and should only be moved by AmerenUE employees," Hasheider said.

The American Red Cross released these tips for staying safe:

Use only a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles.

Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.

Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.

Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.

If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.

Listen to local radio and television or check the Southeast Missourian Web site for updated information.