US authorities have issued safety advisories and emergency preparedness measures due to an impending powerful winter storm. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow, crippling ice, and prolonged power outages, affecting around 200 million individuals. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has cautioned about the increased risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning from home heating equipment in the face of plunging temperatures and potential power disruptions.
The CPSC emphasized the importance of smoke and CO alarms in saving lives. They recommended installing alarms on every home level, outside sleeping areas, testing them monthly, and ensuring they have battery backup for operation during outages. Portable heaters have been linked to an average of 1,600 fires annually, resulting in approximately 70 deaths and 150 injuries each year between 2020 and 2022.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is gearing up for winter storm Fern, ready to take emergency action to prevent blackouts. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has instructed grid operators to stay in close communication with the department and be prepared to deploy unused backup generation at critical facilities. The DOE has identified over 35 GW of unused backup generation nationwide, ensuring its availability if needed to mitigate blackouts and reduce energy costs for the public.
The storm is forecasted to impact over 200 million people across multiple states, bringing destructive ice to the South and heavy snow from the Plains through the Midwest and into the Northeast. Travel disruptions, major flight delays, cancellations, and multi-day power outages are expected. Several states have declared emergencies and activated response plans, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stock up on emergency supplies, and prepare for extended periods without power or heat.
