MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - With a winter storm heading towards the Lansing area this afternoon into the evening, being prepared is something many organizations are urging residents to do in case of potential power outages.

The American Red Cross and Ready.gov offers some advice on what you should do to prepare for an outage:

-Make sure flashlights are working and keep extra batteries, candles and matches on hand.

-Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.

-Stock up on drinking water and canned or dried foods.

-Make sure all phones, tablets and laptops are fully charged.

-Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.

-Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility) that has heat to keep warm.

-Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested.

-Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home. This includes inside a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home.

The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning,
electric shock and fire.