With lows in the upper teens to lower 20’s Monday and Tuesday night now’s time to review some Cold Weather Safety Tips

Everyone should be especially careful with generators or home heating devices, by making sure they all have adequate ventilation and aren’t a fire hazard; carbon monoxide detectors can be a lifesaver in these situations.

The Centers for Disease Control also has recommendations for fighting off the cold:

* Generators should be located at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent and in a space where rain and snow will not reach them.

* Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector.

* Never using generators, gas or charcoal grills, camp stoves, or similar devices inside your home, in basements, in garages, or near windows. The fumes are deadly.

* Plug in appliances to the generator using individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords.

* Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite.

* Don’t turn on the stove for heat; it’s not safe.

* Have extra blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter coats.

* Have a fireplace that is up to code with plenty of dry firewood or a gas log fireplace.

* Have portable space heaters or kerosene heaters. Check with your local fire department to make sure that kerosene heaters are legal in your area.

* Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Make sure to keep them away from anything that can catch on fire.

* Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns rather than candles, if possible, because of the fire risk. If you do use candles, never leave them alone when they are lit.

* Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.

* Allow heated air to reach pipes. For example, open cabinet doors beneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks.

* If your pipes do freeze, do not thaw them with a torch. Thaw the pipes slowly with warm air from an electric hair dryer.

* Eating well-balanced meals will help you stay warmer. Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages — they cause your body to lose heat faster. Instead, drink warm, sweet beverages or broth to help keep yourself warm.

Here are more tips from the weather service about food, emergency kits and what to do if you’re caught outside.

(AL.COM/www.al.com)