Mar10
Welcome to Our Website!
Appomattox County uses Appomattox Alert to immediately contact you during a major crisis or emergency. Appomattox Alert delivers important emergency alerts, notifications and updates to you on all your devices:
* Email account (work, home, other)
* Cell phone (via SMS)
* Office phone
* Pager
* Smartphone/PDA
Learn your communitys warning signals.
Meet with your family to create a plan.
Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school).
Choose an out-of-area friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family becomes separated.
Implement your plan.
Post emergency telephone numbers by the phones.
Install safety features in your house such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Inspect your home for potential hazards and correct them.
Have your family learn basic safety and first aid measures.
Make sure everyone knows how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency medical services phone number.
Have disaster supplies on hand.
Flashlights and extra batteries
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Emergency non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration
Non-electric can opener
Bottled water
One week supply of essential medicines
Extra blankets and sleeping bags
First aid kit and manual
Fire extinguisher
Emergency heating equipment, used properly
Have your heating system checked by a professional annually. This will ensure that your system is working safely and efficiently which, in turn, will save you money.
If you heat by wood, clean your fireplace or stove.
Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of creosote and then cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.
Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate walls and attic. This will help you to conserve energy and reduce your homes power demands for heat.
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. This will provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out.
Inspect and flush your water heater.
Clean gutters. Leaves and other debris will hamper drainage.
Replace batteries of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. If you did not do it when you set the clocks back, do it now.
To keep pipes from freezing:
Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers
Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture
Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing
Know how to shut off water valves
Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturers instructions.
Dress in layers of lightweight clothing and wear a cap.
Eat well-balanced meals.
Losing your heat when winters winds are howling is not pleasant. However, by following these simple tips, you will weather the storm more comfortably.
Call your utility first to determine area repair schedules.
Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored.
Leave one light on to indicate power has been restored.
To help prevent freezing pipes, turn on faucets slightly. Running water will not freeze as quickly.
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning:
DO NOT operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon monoxide gas.
DO NOT use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
DO NOT use your gas oven to heat your home -- prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house can create carbon monoxide gas.
Make sure fuel space heaters are used with proper ventilation.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food spoilage.
Always keep a screen around an open flame.
Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
Never burn charcoal indoors.
Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
Have your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup -- and then clean it.
Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors ... and make sure they work! Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.
Follow the manufacturers instructions.
Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool.
Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.
Remember, the fire hazard is greatly increased in the winter because alternate heating sources often are used without following proper safety precautions.
