Cold Air Coming to Parts of U.S. — These Steps Can Help Keep You Safe Inside and Out

A blast of cold air from Canada will send temperatures plunging 10 to 20 degrees below normal this weekend across the central and eastern United States, perhaps even extending to the Southeast.

Cold weather can be dangerous, especially for newborns, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, those who work outdoors and those who are unhoused. The American Red Cross offers steps to help keep you safe when frigid air blankets your community:

• Stay warm indoors. If your home becomes too cold, go to a public library, shopping mall or warming center.
• Check with loved ones and neighbors to see if they are staying warm, particularly if they are older or live alone. You could save a life just by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.
• If you must go outside, wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, and gloves.

HEATING SAFETY As colder weather moves across the country, the heat is coming back on in people’s homes, increasing their risk of home fires. The Red Cross also offers steps families can take to heat their home safely.

• It's critical to keep at least three feet of space around all heating equipment, and never leave space heaters unattended.
• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor. Don’t place it on rugs and carpets, or near bedding and drapes. And keep children and pets away from the heater.
• Plug space heater power cords directly into outlets — never an extension cord. Turn it off every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Never leave a fire burning in the fireplaces unattended. Make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home. Use a glass or metal fire screen to keep embers in the fireplace
• Have a professional inspect your furnace, chimney, fireplace, wood and coal stoves every year and clean it if necessary.