Lewiston police: Winter parking ban

A parking ban will be in effect on all streets in Lewiston from 9 a.m.
Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday. Vehicles parked in violation of the ban
will be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.

Maine State Police: Slow down

Motorists who drive in the storm need to reacquaint themselves with
winter conditions and slow down. Snow and ice reduces visibility and
the ability to stop, said Maine State Police Chief Col. Patrick
Fleming. Drivers should make sure their vehicles have proper tires and
windshield wipers, and that the the heater, defroster, lighting and
battery are in good working condition.

Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Avoid poisoning

Use care around gas-powered generators, kerosene heaters and other
heating or power sources during power outages. When not used properly,
the combustion devices can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can
result in coma and death. CO is a colorless, odorless toxic gas formed
when burning most types of fuels.

To avoid poisoning:

* Place the generator outdoors where deadly gas will not enter the
home. Don’t put it in a closed or partly closed space, such as a
basement or garage.

* Use kerosene heaters in well-ventilated rooms, keeping doors to other
rooms open or a window open 1 inch. Use only K-1 grade fuel.

* Don’t use gas appliances (ovens, ranges or clothes dryers) for heat.

* Turn off your vehicle in a garage.

* Place a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in the hall outside sleeping areas.

* If you suspect anyone has CO poisoning, leave the house at once
and call the fire department or 911. Get medical attention or call the
Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Do not go back into the building until
the fire department says it is safe.

Central Maine Power: Be ready for power outages

CMP will have crews ready to restore power if icing or winds knock out power. People should be ready for power outages by:

* Having battery-operated flashlights and radios, along with drinking water and nonperishable food.

* When using emergency heat sources such as a wood stove, fireplace or
kerosene heater, keep fuels away from flames and ventilate properly.

* Never use grills or camp stoves indoors; they can give off dangerous gases.

* For a town-by-town listing of outages in the CMP service area, go to www.cmpco.com.