Power outages during frigid winter months can endanger lives. Being prepared can help you and your family stay safe and comfortable.

If the power goes out, make sure you have not blown a circuit by checking the breakers in your home's electrical panel.

Think ahead and unplug electronics and appliances that use electric motors. Turn on an incandescent light to signal when power is restored.

How to stay warm

If the power goes out in a winter weather event, temperatures can drop significantly. Make sure to keep all doors to the outside shut. Use towels to block drafts coming in from window and door cracks.

It's also possible to insulate windows with black blankets. The black draws heat from the sun. If the sun's beams are coming through the window, put the blankets on the floor where the sun is directly shining instead. Running a bathtub of hot water also draws in heat to the house.

Turning faucets to a trickle helps prevent pipes from freezing. If needed, wrap pipes in insulation or newspaper. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

Don't take risks on the road or in your home

Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supply kit in your vehicle. Do not travel alone and let someone know where you are going and your expected arrival time.

"Traffic accidents tend to dominate followed closely by wires down," Steven Bair, fire director and chief of department at the Centre Region Council of Governments, said.

Don't rely on gas stoves, charcoal grills or other open-flame heat sources. Deadly carbon monoxide gas - which is odorless and invisible - may build up in your home.