Not all electronic cords look the same. Some have two prongs; others have three or even four. Some have prongs at weird angles, or are even designed for orange electrical outlets. Odds are most people have also seen electrical prongs with holes in them, but the reason for them isn’t common knowledge.
Those two tiny circles often appear near the ends of the metal blades, and newer outlets no longer depend on them. Learn how the feature started, why some manufacturers still use them, what homeowners should know about plug safety, and more.
Why Do Electrical Plug Prongs Have Small Holes in Them?
The holes originally helped keep plugs from slipping out of outlets. Some older outlets had small bumps inside that fit into the holes when someone plugged something in. That changed when Underwriters Laboratories began requiring outlets to hold plugs securely without those bumps.
“Most manufacturers stopped putting the detent nibs on the female contacts, as it made it much harder to meet the maximum force to withdraw and did nothing for the minimum requirement, as the gage had no holes,” according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).
Basically, the bumps made plugs harder to remove, so manufacturers stopped using them. Today, outlets grip the prongs instead. If a plug starts slipping out, the outlet may need to be replaced. The holes aren’t a child safety feature, either. Tamper-resistant outlets use built-in shutters to keep children from sticking objects inside.
“TRRs work like normal outlets,” according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. “When you plug into a TRR for the first time, you may be able to feel the internal shutter system engaging. If excessive force is needed to insert a plug into a TRR, there’s a chance that the plug, not the receptacle, is damaged.”
What Are the Holes in Electrical Plug Prongs Used for Today?
Manufacturers sometimes use the holes to hold the metal prongs in place while making plugs. They don’t help electricity flow through the plug, though. The holes can also hold small safety tags or locks on unplugged appliances. However, these shouldn’t replace proper safety equipment. OSHA also has rules for preventing equipment from accidentally starting during certain types of workplace maintenance.
The holes aren’t even required under American electrical plug standards. Manufacturers can make plugs without them, although NEMA has rules for their size and placement when included. They also have nothing to do with grounding. On a three-prong plug, the round prong handles that job. The two flat prongs work the same way whether they have holes or not.
“If an HVAC unit has a defective part that needs replacement, most of my clients will immediately ask how much the replacement part costs,” says HVAC technician Tamer Sayed. “I always tell the current market price and the misunderstanding often starts here. A few clients forget to take into account the labor and consultation fees. They assume they only had to pay for the replacement part.”
The same thing can happen with plumbing and electrical jobs. The part needed to get things working again may be small and inexpensive, and it may only account for a small portion of the quote. Sometimes the labor quote seems excessive, and that’s usually because the client doesn’t understand what’s involved with the repair.
You Underestimate the Scope of the Project
Jake Vincett, a builder from the UK, makes this observation: “A lot of the time, the customer is comparing quotes for different work, because the cheaper one has included a surface repair whereas the more expensive one has quoted for fixing the underlying problem…It’s common that the customer doesn’t know or consider the amount of work going into a project. A new driveway isn’t just laying tarmac – it’s digging out the old one, laying the sub base, etc.”
Plumbing, electrical and HVAC expert Bob Cardwell adds: “It’s often not only one problem to fix but a bunch of small fixes. Even though it might be possible to fix the original problem without addressing the additional issues, an experienced and reliable technician will not ignore them, will try to fix them and will discuss them with the homeowner.”
Failing to provide a quote that addresses underlying issues and then delivering a sky-high bill at the end doesn’t just make the customer unhappy, says HVAC and plumbing expert Ryan Osterkamp. “It can make them feel like we don’t know what we’re doing.”
You’re Undervaluing Professional Expertise
Osterkamp is used to hearing customers say: “I can go get that part for $X at Home Depot.” What they aren’t thinking about is the amount of training and expertise that made it possible for our technician to quickly and accurately diagnose the issue, have the supplies they need in their truck and be able to do the repair same day. Sure, you may save money by going with the guy on Facebook that works out of an old, unlabeled truck, but if his work doesn’t hold up, will he fix it without giving you the runaround? Is he insured? Does he offer a warranty?”
Costs Are Rising
Tariffs, inflation and the economy in general are pushing prices up, and the dollar has lost a lot of its purchasing power for the average American. The same is true for contractors. “The fact of the matter is, we’re working harder now and making less,” says remodeling contractor Kevin Cullen. “In today’s economy, a lot of people are chasing the price to the bottom and shopping for the cheapest number. Unfortunately, they usually get what they pay for.”
The Contractor Is Trying to Avoid Surprises
A contractor who knows problems might creep up, such as a rotten subfloor that needs replacement during a toilet repair, makes an effort to warn customers as part of the quote. Potential problems aren’t always obvious. “There are times,” says Nika Tveretinova, who operates an HVAC business in Sacramento, “when the actual fix isn’t that complicated, but it’s the access that makes things tough—especially with equipment installed in an attic or cramped quarters. Sometimes we also find an old installation that needs a safety or code correction before we can put everything back together.”
In such situations, a higher-than-expected quote that you can reject is far better than a higher-than-expected bill you have to pay because the work is already completed.
You’re Relying Too Closely on Online Pricing Guides
Joshua Kurz founded NumeralQ, a home improvement pricing guide, and he cautions against comparing a bid you receive from a contractor to information you find online. “Owners often find an estimate online, and rather than waiting for a bid, they assume that number will be the actual cost. These estimates are helpful when determining a budget, but they are not interchangeable for actual bids. A 1,500 sq ft roof in one market will not necessarily cost the same in another market, and bids can even differ for neighboring houses.”
The Contractor Needs to Redo Previous Work
If you find a guy on Facebook who charges a low price to do a repair, there’s no guarantee that the repair will last or be up to code. When that person makes a mistake, a licensed contractor working on the same system at a later date might have to fix it, especially when inspectors are involved.
“Over a 40-year career,” says Cullen, “I’ve found many surprises: unsupported headers, no king or jack studs, undersized headers, poorly installed headers that aren’t flush and have gaps, termite damage, carpenter ant damage, water damage, mold. That’s not every job, but you never know when a homeowner bought a house in which a Rube Goldberg did the work on it.”
The Contractor Doesn’t Want the Job
Sometimes a house is in such poor condition that a small repair, such as stopping a plumbing leak, can turn into a major project that involves replacing pipes, walls or subfloors. Rather than simply declining the repair, some contractors will offer a ridiculously high quote to avoid falling into a sinkhole of extra work. If the customer accepts the quote, the contractor won’t lose money by taking the job. A customer who rejects a bid can keep shopping with no harm done.
About the Experts
Tamer Sayed is the owner and lead project manager at Tamas Mechanical, an HVAC company based in the Toronto area.
Jake Vincett is the co-director of Heritage Build Group LTD, a construction company based in Kettering, Northamptonshire, UK.
Bob Cardwell is the owner of Cardwell HVAC. He brings over a decade of hands-on experience serving South Jersey homeowners and businesses.
Ryan Osterkamp is the founder and co-owner of Quality Comfort Home Services, a family-owned HVAC and plumbing company based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Nika Tveretinova is the Vice President of CABS Heating & Air Conditioning, a family-owned residential HVAC company serving the greater Sacramento area and parts of Yolo County.
Joshua Kurz is the founder of Numeralq.com, which researches localized costs of 18 services across 147 markets.
I admit I scoffed when my partner first started raving about his Leatherman Wave+ multi-tool. I thought it looked like an expensive, over-elaborate gadget that was destined to gather dust in a junk drawer.
However, as a keen hiker and camper, I’ve discovered how useful it is to have pliers, knives, a saw, scissors, files and other tools packed into one compact, quality piece of kit. I’ve also watched my tech-obsessed partner regularly reach for its precision tools when tinkering with his electrical equipment.
Ahead, I’ll share how a tool I once dismissed as a gimmick earned a permanent spot in my pack, and what two experts think makes a Leatherman worth the price tag.
How The Leatherman Wave+ Won Me Over
I had to realize that our Leatherman Wave+ isn’t meant to replace a well-stocked toolbox to understand its value. Instead, it fills the gap when dedicated tools aren’t conveniently available or really needed.
At home, I regularly use the tool’s tiny scissors to carefully prune dead leaves from our many houseplants, the knife to open packages and the small screwdriver to tighten the legs on my glasses. My partner is an IT professional who also has an impressive collection of synthesizers, and he regularly reaches for the tool to make small technical repairs and splice wires.
I’ve found the Wave+ even more useful when we’re borrowing my parents’ campervan, hiking, or camping. The bottle opener is handy for those after-adventure beers, the serrated knife slices baguettes for trailside sandwiches, the saw cuts small, dry branches for kindling, and the screwdriver has adjusted our portable stove and tightened folding chairs.
The pocket-sized multi-tool packs 18 functions into a stainless-steel form that measures just four inches when closed and weighs 8.5 ounces. Alongside the tools I’ve mentioned, it has pliers, bit drivers, a wire stripper and crimper, a ruler, an extra knife blade and file, and an admittedly slightly-tricky-to-use can opener.
While I don’t regularly use all 18 tools, and I might never use some, having the selection provides peace of mind, especially in remote places.
Who Gets the Most Out of a Multi-Tool?
Daniel Kilburn, founder of Emergency Action Planning and a preparedness expert, has carried his Leatherman Surge since his military service in 2006. “It’s an expedient tool to have on hand when you know you’re going to be someplace where you won’t have access to any others,” he says.
Scott Emanuel of knives, multi-tools, and outdoor equipment retailer Heinnie Haynes is also a multi-tool convert. He appreciated having one for quick fixes while renovating his cottage, and particularly rates the needle-nose pliers, which rival standard models rather than acting as an emergency substitute.
Kilburn suggests multi-tools can be a useful starting point for someone who doesn’t own a toolbox, and at the other end of the spectrum are the tinkerers and prepared problem-solvers Emanuel sees as natural fits.
“The person who will value a Leatherman is the one who spends their after-hours in the garage building stuff that they probably never need, it’s the kind of self-reliant and prepared person who you rely on to solve a problem,” Emanuel says.
Why I Think the Leatherman Wave+ Is Worth the Price
The Leatherman Wave+ currently costs $129.95, meaning it should be a well-considered purchase rather than an impulse buy.
It’s reassuring to know that you’ll be investing in a refined product designed because of a genuine practical need. Founder Tim Leatherman conceived a pliers-based multi-tool after encountering car and plumbing problems while traveling through Europe in the 1970s, and after careful development, he launched the original Pocket Survival Tool in 1983.
Today you’re paying for that established reputation and durable construction, and Leatherman backs its products with a 25-year warranty.
“They’re ridiculously well built, really well regarded, and their choice of tools is good,” Emanuel says. He describes sought-after Leathermans as the “collectible top end of the multi-tool market.”
Kilburn recalls seeing lower-priced multi-tools failing his comrades during their military career. “Some disintegrate over time because they were just cheaply made with poor-quality material [and] poor-quality steel,” he says. His Leatherman Surge, meanwhile, has lasted over 20 years. If replacing it again, he says he would choose Leatherman over his backup Gerber multi-tool because he prefers its feel and durability.
The Wave+ Isn’t the Right Multi-Tool for Everyone
Leatherman makes a wide range of multi-tools, so it pays to consider which functions you’ll genuinely use. The Signal model adds outdoor-focused features suited to camping, including a ferrocerium rod, emergency whistle and sharpener, but omits scissors. I use scissors enough for plant pruning, first aid and gear repairs that the Wave+ remains the better fit for me.
If you’re unlikely to use most of its functions, a smaller, cheaper multi-tool could make more sense. The Wave+ is also heavier than minimalist models, and there’s a learning curve when figuring out where everything lives.
Don’t forget that a premium multi-tool only represents good value if you look after it. We remove dirt after outdoor adventures and dry and lubricate it before storing. We also avoid forcing it to tackle jobs better suited to full-size tools. I wouldn’t, for example, choose its compact saw over a dedicated full-size version for pruning substantial tree branches in my yard.
If you’re using a Wave+ in the UK, like me, be aware of the country’s knife laws. You need a “good reason” to carry it in public because its blades lock. However, Emanuel explains that the legal language is ambiguous, so you shouldn’t assume you can carry one wherever you go just because it’s part of a multi-tool.
Why I’m Glad I Gave the Wave+ a Chance
The Wave+ has convinced me that a good multi-tool is more than merely an expensive gimmick. It may not replace dedicated tools, but having so many functions at my fingertips in a form that is so compact, portable and easy to use makes it a practical, worthwhile investment.
Gemma Johnstone For Family Handyman
Leatherman Wave Plus
The Wave Plus is a multi-tool workhorse. It packs 18 tools in one, including sharp blades, spring scissors, wire cutters, and more.
About the Experts
Daniel Kilburn, founder of Emergency Action Planning, is a leadership strategist and business continuity consultant with more than 30 years of experience preparing people and organizations to lead through disruption. His philosophy is “Preparedness Is Leadership.”
Scott Emanuel is the Marketing Director at Heinnie Haynes, a UK online retailer specialising in knives, multi-tools, EDC gear, outdoor equipment and bushcraft supplies.
Spice up a hallway with a new runner rug. Porte + Hall’s Insider Runner in select styles, like the bold Tigress Camo print, is 40% off while supplies last. Plus, it’s available in regular and XL lengths. If something else from Porte + Hall catches your eye, use code ONTHEHOUSE to take $25 off qualifying orders of $75 or more through November 15. (Offers cannot be combined).
Make it easier to see who’s at the door with the Ring battery doorbell, which brings video monitoring to your front entry without needing a hardwired installation.
Get your garage in order with the Craftsman 2000 Series tool chest, an eight-drawer steel organizer with room for hand tools, accessories and more.
VIA MERCHANT
Bedsure Duvet Cover
Discount: 39% off
A quick bedding refresh can make a bedroom feel brand new, and the Bedsure duvet cover is an easy, budget-friendly way to change up your look.
EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool
Discount: 31% off
Feeling a little chilly? The Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool is one of the safest space heaters you can buy. Plus, it works triple duty as an air purifier and cooling fan. Pick one up for over 30% off.
VIA MERCHANT
HOTO Cordless Rotary Tool Kit
Discount: 40% off
From sanding small edges to polishing and detail work, the HOTO cordless rotary tool kit is a compact addition to your DIY arsenal.
VIA MERCHANT
Werner NXT1A 6-Foot Step Ladder
Discount: 50% off
Whether you’re changing light fixtures or painting a room, the Werner NXT1A 6-foot step ladder gives you a sturdy boost with its fiberglass frame and 300-pound duty rating.
VIA MERCHANT
Ryobi ONE+ 2-Tool Combo Kit
Discount: 34% off
Take on more home projects with the Ryobi ONE+ 2-tool combo kit, which includes a drill/driver, impact driver, two compact batteries and a charger.
VIA MERCHANT
Husky 94-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
Discount: 41% off
Stock up on sockets and other garage essentials with the Husky 94-piece mechanics tool set, a convenient starter kit for vehicle maintenance and household fixes.
VIA MERCHANT
Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce
Discount: 30% off
Get a head start on decorating with the Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce, an artificial Christmas tree that gives you a classic evergreen look year after year. It’s our favorite artificial Christmas tree, and it’s 30% off just in time for putting up the decorations. Browse more deals in Balsam Hill’s sale.
KATIE BANDURSKI/FAMILY HANDYMAN
Lovesac Sactionals
Discount: 40% off
The modular Lovesac Sactionals can be rearranged as your room or seating needs change, and their removable covers make everyday upkeep easier. We’ve also put a Sactional to the test—and loved it.
Family Handyman
Ruggable Washable Area Rug
Discount: Up to 40% off select rugs
Upgrade a busy room with a Ruggable washable area rug, designed with a removable cover you can toss in the wash when life gets messy. We’ve tried them, and we find them incredibly versatile.
VIA MERCHANT
Decksplore 330-Gallon Deck Box
Discount: 34% off
Corral patio cushions, pool toys and outdoor odds and ends in the Decksplore 330-gallon deck box, a roomy resin storage solution with a lockable design.
VIA MERCHANT
HOTO Precision Screwdriver Set
Discount: 28% off
For fiddly jobs that call for more precision than a standard drill, the HOTO Precision screwdriver set keeps small bits handy for electronics and household repairs.
Levels come in many different shapes and sizes, and figuring out how long a level should be for a certain project isn’t always straightforward. Choosing the right size matters because a level that’s too short can miss uneven spots, while one that’s too long can be difficult to use in tight spaces.
Here’s how much of a surface a level should cover, which sizes work best, and when overhang is okay.
How Long Should a Level Be to Get an Accurate Reading?
It depends on the project, but a longer level is usually better for checking bigger surfaces. A shorter one might show that the middle of a board is level without catching a problem closer to either end.
The level doesn’t have to stretch across the entire surface, though. A 24-inch level can work on a four-foot shelf, for example, as long as the installer checks several spots along its length. For longer surfaces, a smaller level can sit on a long, straight board to check a wider area. A laser level is another option, especially when lining up things across a room.
The way the level sits on the material matters, too. A little sawdust or dirt underneath can affect the reading, so both surfaces should be clean. The tool also needs to sit firmly without rocking.
What Size Level Should You Use for Different Projects?
There’s no set rule for how much of a surface a level needs to cover, but it should fit comfortably and have enough contact to stay steady.
Different sizes work better for different jobs:
6 to 12 inches: Small levels, often called torpedo levels, are handy for working inside cabinets, around pipes, or anywhere there isn’t much room.
24 inches: A useful size for common household jobs, like hanging shelves or installing smaller cabinets.
48 inches: Works well for checking longer boards, countertops, and framing.
72 inches and longer: These are mostly useful for larger projects, including tall door frames and walls. They can be difficult to handle in smaller rooms.
“Use a 4-foot carpenter’s level for framing whenever you have room for its length,” according to The Home Depot. “Warps or waves in the boards can throw off a shorter carpenter’s level.”
Another common concern is whether the level can hang over the edge of whatever is being checked. Some overhang is fine, provided the tool has enough support to stay steady.
If it starts tipping or rocking, a shorter level will likely work better. The bubble doesn’t need to be directly above the material, either. It can still give an accurate reading even when that part of the tool hangs past the edge.
Last spring, I was sitting at home with my family watching football on a Sunday when my wife caught me doing what I often do: scrolling Zillow. “What don’t you like about the house we’re in?” she asked. I told her that ever since I finished the basement, I’d missed having a shop space to work on projects.
Her answer: “Then build that garage you always wanted.”
Fast forward eight months, and my new garage is up. I’m insulating the main level and sheathing it with OSB before adding cabinets and shelving and moving on to the upstairs. It’s a big garage; we’re talking 30-plus rolls of insulation on the main level, so on a run to pick up the next half-dozen rolls, I wandered down the tool aisle and saw the Ridgid 18V Cordless 3/8-in. Crown Stapler staring back at me.
Beyond getting the garage insulation up faster, it looked like a tool I’d keep using on future wiring and upholstery projects, and the same goes for anyone re-screening a porch, recovering a chair seat, or tacking down low-voltage wire.
Family Handyman
Tool Trials
Ridgid 18V Cordless Crown Stapler
A cordless 3/8-in. crown stapler kit with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger, depth adjustment, an onboard wire and screen attachment, and a built-in LED light.
The Tool on Trial
The Ridgid 18V Cordless 3/8-in. Crown Stapler is a 3-lb. battery-powered stapler that runs on Ridgid’s 18V battery platform. It features an integrated LED light, an onboard wire and screen attachment, a depth adjustment knob, and a belt hook.
It drives 3/8-in. crown (T50) staples from 1/4 to 9/16 in. long. Ridgid claims it can drive 105 staples per minute and up to 6,800 staples on a single charge of a 4.0 Ah battery.
One last note, and in full transparency, I’m a regular user of Ridgid tools myself: Ridgid offers a lifetime service agreement on its tools as long as you register them within 90 days of purchase.
The Trial: How I Tested It
My goal was to install a half-dozen rolls of insulation, then run wire to an outlet to try out the wire attachment. I wanted to see how easy the tool was to use, whether it jammed, and what I liked and didn’t like about it.
The short version: this tool is awesome. No jams, nothing wonky. It’s as simple as load, point, and pull the trigger. It took a little playing with the depth knob to get the staples seating at the right depth, but I had it figured out within a handful of staples.
I really like the wire attachment. I try to keep my wiring clean and neat, usually with zip ties and tie mounts. With this attachment, running the wire was simple, and the stapler did it much more neatly than I expected.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the onboard LED light. It has its own trigger, separate from the firing trigger, so I could turn it on only when I needed it.
It’s also easy on the battery. I put up six rolls of insulation during the test and a couple more off camera, and the indicator on the 2.0 Ah battery didn’t budge.
There were a couple of things I didn’t like, though they’re minor. First, Ridgid advertises dry-fire lockout on this stapler, which I took to mean it wouldn’t fire once the staples ran out. On mine, it still did. To be fair, it never marred the work surface, which Ridgid lists as one of the lockout’s benefits, so it may be doing part of its job. But it was annoying to pull the trigger and have nothing come out, and it made it easy to miss that I was out of staples.
Second, the depth drifted. After every 20 or 30 staples, I’d notice they were no longer seating at the depth I’d set and were starting to sit proud. I don’t know if that was due to denser 2x4s or inconsistencies between strips of staples, but it was something to keep an eye on. When I noticed it, I’d add a few clicks on the depth knob.
The Verdict
I really like this tool. If you’re only insulating a garage, it’s really nice to have, but not essential. You could get by with a standard stapler. That said, the LED light, the wire attachment, and the price, especially with the battery and charger included, make this a tool I know I’ll use more than I expected on future projects.
Family Handyman
Tool Trials
Ridgid 18V Cordless Crown Stapler
A cordless 3/8-in. crown stapler kit with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger, depth adjustment, an onboard wire and screen attachment, and a built-in LED light.
Where to Buy
The tool alone retails at The Home Depot for $119, but for the last few months, there’s been a special buy that includes the tool, a charger, and a 2.0 Ah Ridgid battery for $104.
FAQ
Who makes Ridgid 18V tools?
Ridgid is owned by Emerson Electric Co., which makes the red Ridgid plumbing and pipe tools directly. The orange Ridgid cordless power tools, including this stapler, are made by Techtronic Industries (TTI), the company behind Milwaukee and Ryobi, under a licensing agreement with Emerson.
Can I put any staples in a staple gun?
No. Staple guns need staples that match the tool’s crown width, leg length, and wire gauge. The Ridgid 18V crown stapler takes 3/8-in. crown staples from 1/4 to 9/16 in. long, including standard T50 staples. Other staplers may use different types, like narrow-crown or other heavy-duty series, so check the tool or the manual before you buy.
Tracking severe weather can sometimes feel like it requires a degree in meteorology. With complex scientific terms and technical jargon, it can be difficult to understand what it all means and what should be done to prepare. That’s when the difference between a winter storm watch and a winter storm warning matters.
Both alerts come from the National Weather Service, but they call for different levels of urgency. Here’s how the alerts work and what homeowners should do when they see one.
What Does a Winter Storm Watch Mean?
A winter storm watch means a significant winter storm is possible, but forecasters aren’t yet sure where or when it will hit or how severe it will be. According to the National Weather Service, watches often arrive a day or two before a storm and can cover heavy snow, sleet, or ice.
They give residents time to prepare, even though the storm may not reach their area. As the forecast becomes clearer, the National Weather Service may upgrade the watch to a warning, issue an advisory, or cancel it altogether.
What Does a Winter Storm Warning Mean?
A winter storm warning means dangerous winter weather is expected or already happening. Heavy snow, sleet, or ice could make travel unsafe and cause other problems, including power outages. The amount of snow or ice needed to trigger a warning varies by location.
“Each office knows the local area and will issue Warnings, Watches or Advisories based on local criteria,” according to the National Weather Service. “For example, the amount of snow that triggers a ‘Winter Storm Warning’ in the Northern Plains is typically much higher than the amount needed to trigger a ‘Winter Storm Warning’ in the Southeast.”
Warnings generally arrive closer to a storm’s arrival than watches, although forecasters can issue one before snow or ice begins falling.
What Does a Winter Weather Advisory Mean?
A winter weather advisory means snow, sleet, or ice is expected to cause problems, but forecasters don’t anticipate conditions severe enough for a warning. An advisory may signal slick roads or other travel disruptions. While the weather may be less severe than during a warning, residents should still take precautions and monitor local forecasts.
How Homeowners Can Prepare for Extreme Weather
A winter storm watch gives homeowners time to prepare before conditions worsen. That includes checking heating systems, protecting exposed pipes from freezing, and stocking up on food, medications, and other essentials.
“Your primary concerns at home or work during a winter storm are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day,” according to the National Weather Service.
Homeowners should have flashlights, spare batteries, and a charged phone in case the power goes out. Checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, locating snow shovels, and stocking up on ice melt can also help.
Once a warning takes effect, homeowners should finish their preparations and avoid unnecessary travel. Staying indoors is generally safest during severe winter weather.
If the power goes out, residents can close off unused rooms and wear extra layers to stay warm. Portable generators should always remain outdoors, away from windows and doors. Grills and ovens should never serve as heating sources because they can create serious safety hazards.
Residents should continue monitoring weather alerts throughout the storm. Once conditions improve, homeowners can check for damage and begin clearing snow and ice from walkways and driveways.
