The American Red Cross wants you to be ready when those white flakes start falling.
Do you know what to do if snow is predicted for your area, or what the difference is between a winter storm watch and warning? The American Red Cross wants you to be ready when those white flakes start falling.
A winter storm watch means a winter storm is possible in your area. A winter storm warning means the winter storm is on its way. A blizzard warning means your area is headed for blinding, wind-driven snow, heavy winds, and dangerous wind chills and you should seek shelter immediately.
If a storm watch is issued, watch for changing weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. When a storm warning is issued, stay indoors. Follow these tips to stay safe and warm during the storm:
Protect Yourself at Home:
Do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.
Inspect fireplaces and wood stoves yearly - use a sturdy fire screen with lit fires. Burn only wood - never burn paper or pine boughs.
Use generators correctly –never operate a generator inside your home, including the basement or garage. Do not hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.
Prevent frozen pipes - when the weather is very cold outside, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature.
Check smoke alarms once a month by pressing the test button and replace batteries as necessary.
Don’t overload your electrical outlets.
Don’t forget your pets – bring them indoors. If you can’t bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.
If you plan on using an alternate heating source, never use a stove or oven to heat your home. Keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a fireplace fire unattended. If using a space heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use the heater. Place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater and do not use it to dry wet clothing.
If You Venture Outside:
If you must go outside, layered lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.
Also seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.
Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Avoid overexertion.
Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must ...
Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
Learn a lifesaving skill from the Red Cross this year.
Tornado App
Get your family and home ready for a tornado with the official Tornado App from the American Red Cross. The Tornado app puts everything you need to know prepare for a tornado – and all that comes with it – in the palm of your hand. With interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to be ready.
The official American Red Cross First Aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. Available for iPhone and Android devices, the official American Red Cross First Aid app offers videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know first aid.
Monitor conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who lives in an area where a hurricane may strike or has loved ones who do.
The Red Cross Shelter Finder is available in the iTunes store and works on iOS devices. The Shelter Finder displays open Red Cross shelters and their current population on an easy to use map interface.
Be ready for wildfires with the official Red Cross wildfire app. "Blaze Warnings" lets you see where NOAA has issued wildfire warnings, "Blaze Alerts" notify you when a new wildfire occurs and the "Blaze Path Tracker" gives you a current view of the wildfire's track and perimeter. You can also let loved ones know that you are safe even if the power is out and learn what steps you should take to prepare your family, home and pets – all from the palm of your hand.
Be ready for an earthquake with Earthquake by American Red Cross. Get notified when an earthquake occurs, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who lives in an earthquake-prone area or has loved ones who do.
