Here is a news release from the Department of Public Safety on preparing for the weather ...

ST. PAUL — When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, as they will this weekend, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. Although staying indoors as much as possible can help reduce the risk of car crashes and falls on the ice, persons may also face indoor hazards. Many homes will be too cold — either due to a power failure or because the heating system isn’t adequate for the weather. When space heaters and fireplaces must be used to stay warm, the risk of household fires increases, as well as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. “Staying warm during cold snaps takes some serious thought,” says State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl. “Knowing about fire dangers and wearing some extra clothing can make all the difference.”Heat Your Home SafelyIf you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater, be extremely careful. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remember these safety tips:·   Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space. ·   Do not burn paper or trash in a fireplace. Burn only dry seasoned wood.·   Ensure adequate ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater. ·   Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use — don’t substitute. ·   Do not place a space heater within 3 feet of anything that may catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture, or bedding, and never cover a space heater. ·   Never leave children unattended near a space heater. ·   Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard.·   Do not use the oven or stove as a supplemental heat source. ·   Store a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher near the area to be heated.·   Leave water faucets open slightly on water sources with exposed pipes. ·   Do not use propane torches to thaw frozen pipes. Call a licensed contractor.·   Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors.·   Test your smoke alarms and review your fire escape plan. Bring pets indoors or provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water.For more information on home heating safety, visit the Minnesota State Fire Marshal online at www.fire.state.mn.us.

(Karla Wennerstrom is the editor of the Eden Prairie News. She can be reached at editor@edenprairienews.com.)