Ensuring your family’s safety during a significant winter storm does not have to involve going outside. Snowfall totals as high as 24 inches were reported in Sturgeon Bay and Sister Bay after the first round of snow went through on Sunday. The National Weather Service says that winds gusting to 50 mph could create blizzard or near-blizzard conditions, as well as cause power outages and add to the widespread travel disruptions. 

While accidents could occur while removing snow or sledding, your home presents its own concerns. Snow drifts can pile up against your house, potentially blocking intake pipes used to support your HVAC system. Jeff Blemke of Ultimate Air in Luxemburg advises checking those intake pipes on a regular basis for the sake of your unit and your family.

Fire departments are also advising against makeshift options to heat your homes. Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Chief Michael Goldstone says you should never use generators, grills, camp stoves or propane heaters inside homes, garages or enclosed spaces because of the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.

You can follow Door County Emergency Management and Kewaunee County Emergency Management online to learn more about possible warming shelters in case you lose power.