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This is not the current EPA website. To navigate to the current EPA website, please go to www.epa.gov. This website is historical material reflecting the EPA website as it existed on January 19, 2021. This website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. More information »

Snow and Ice

ALWAYS CALL 911 if you are in immediate danger and need emergency help.

Learn ways you can do to reduce risks indoors and outdoors during severe snow or ice, or cold.

Around your home:

People get sick or die each year from carbon monoxide or "CO" poisoning due to unsafe use of generators or combustion appliances.

  • ALERT: Generator exhaust is toxic. Always put generators outside well away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas. Carbon monoxide (CO) is deadly, can build up quickly, and linger for hours. More information.
     
  • Never try to heat your home using a "combustion appliance" such as a gas stove, oven, barbeque grill, or dryer. Never operate any gas-burning heater or other appliance in a poorly vented or closed room, or where you are sleeping.
     
  • Listen: Public Service Announcement about carbon monoxide
     
  • en español: Proteja su vida y la de su familia: Evite el envenenamiento con monóxido de carbono (español) - conozca los síntomas del envenenamiento con monóxido de carbono. | Más: Tormentas de nieve y hielo

De-icers. You can try de-icers that are safer for people, pets, and the environment. Search SaferChoice for deicer products for use around the home.

Burnwise for safer fires. Whether you use a fireplace or a wood stove, learn before you burn. Burn the right wood, the right way, in the right appliance.

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For communities, municipalities, or airports:

Highways

Airports

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