Forecasters are predicting a pretty good ice storm over the weekend. If that’s the case you can count on massive power outages and because the temps are dropping to single digits monday it can become very dangerous. Take steps today to prepare for outages at your house if you heat exclusively with electricity. Even though you may have gas heat – you probably have an electric blower to distribute the heat – it won’t work if there’s no power. Get you some kind of safe alternate heat source today such as an approved indoor propane heater or have a plan in place to get to some other location with heat. If you must resort to your automobile for heat make sure it isn’t enclosed in a garage to prevent build up of carbon monoxide and make certain your car is filled with fuel.  Wear heavy warm clothing at all times. Make sure you have plenty of food on hand that doesn’t have to be cooked. And water…lots of water on hand. Speaking of water make sure you let your faucets stream the size of a pencil lead during sub-freezing temps to keep pipes from freezing. Ensure all your communication devices are charged fully. Make sure your pets are safe indoors and outdoors.  Be sure and keep tabs on the elderly you may know who are living alone as well as your friends.  It’s very important to be prepared for long term power outages.