Newtown Fire Marshal Rich Frampton has issued safety reminders for residents and businesses, in light of the impending snow storm. newtown-ct.gov.newtownbee.comCheck the town website or at Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Mr Frampton reminds residents to:

*Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

*In the event of a power outage, use flashlights whenever possible.

*Avoid using candles; never carry them from room to room; don't use candles to search for items in a confined space.

*Keep generators a safe distance from the house and never use generators inside or in the garage.

*Never use charcoal or gas grills in the house.

*Never use the oven for heating the home.

*Being prepared is essential. Check the emergency management page at the town website,

for updates to the storm. The Newtown Bee will also be updating readers though its

Mr Frampton also issued the reminder to plow out or shovel out any fire hydrants, dry hydrants, or fire suppression tanks on residential or business properties. Remember mechanical vents, such as furnace or dryer vents, if covered with snow can trap dangerous levels of CO inside a building. Shovel snow from around all mechanical vents.