Roanoke County shares this press release:

Storm & Holiday Safety Tips

ROANOKE COUNTY (Wednesday, July 3, 2012)—The recent power outages have forced many citizens to use behaviors or devices they may not be as familiar with. Additionally, with the upcoming Holiday Roanoke County Fire & Rescue would like to remind citizens how to stay safe.

Generator Safety:
• Generators should be used in well ventilated locations outside and away from all doors, windows and vent openings.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Place generators so that exhaust fumes cannot enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building.
• Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
• Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.

Grilling Safety:
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• A grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.

Fireworks Safety:
• The weather is hot and dry and there are lots of dry leaves, twigs, and branches on the ground that could catch fire should they come into contact with sparks from fireworks.
• Leave fireworks to the professionals.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals. Consider attending the Vinton fireworks show.
• After the firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over—they may still be active or hot.

MORE STORM COVERAGES AND RESOURCES:

TODAY’S STORM COVERAGE:
* Regional storm coverage and updates from The Roanoke Times
*How outages in Salem/western Roanoke County compare to the rest of Virginia
*Salem restores power to all in city; Caution – power lines still down

GENERAL STORM RESOURCES
* Weather journalist Kevin Myatt has weather updates on the Weather Journal
* Health department issues advisory for food following power outages
* Food writer Lindsey Nair has tips on how to deodorize a refrigerator or freezer after a power outage
* Roanoke County updates trash collection schedule

PHOTOS:
* Laura Tucker shares lighting photos
* Julie Arthur shares storm damage photos
* Diane Hollins shares storm photos from Forest Acre Trail
* Tammy Epperly shares photos from Ross Street

PREVIOUS STORM COVERAGE:
* July 2: Roanoke County makes drinking water available at six locations Tuesday
* July 2: Lippizan Stallions to perform again tonight
* July 2: Salem warns some live power lines still down
* July 2: Roanoke County administration office closed Monday
* July 2: Roanoke County parks and rec office closed today
* July 1: Roanoke County offers cooling shelter
* July 1: Regional storm coverage for July 1 from The Roanoke Times
* June 30: Power could be out in parts of Roanoke County until July 7
*June 30: Regional storm coverage for June 30 from The Roanoke Times
*June 30: Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, issues statement on the storm
* June 30: Gov. Bob McDonnell declares state of emergency
*June 30: Lippizan Stallions event cancelled for Saturday; show added Monday
* June 30: Lippizan Stallions still performing this weekend at Green Hill Park, but at different location
* June 30: Shelter available to Roanoke County residents
* June 30: Salem Civic Center opens as a cooling center
* June 30: Roanoke County Fire & Rescue assess storm damage
* June 30: Green Ridge Recreation Center closed
* June 30: Early morning report on storm damage
* June 30: Storm ends Salem Red Sox game early

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