Emergencies can happen at any time.
Prepare for the unexpected by making a plan to stay safe and connected

The American Red Cross is helping in multiple states after last week’s severe weather while also monitoring several new dangerous weather systems affecting millions of people across the country.

Red Cross disaster teams are standing by to respond as blizzard conditions, ice and strong winds hit the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions, bringing as much as four feet of snow to the area. Another system threatens the East Coast from Florida to New York with tornadoes, thunderstorms and winds as strong as 75 mph. More than 300,000 customers are already without power in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Georgia, New York, Texas and Kentucky as the storms impact the eastern half of the U.S. In addition, wildfires are possible in the southwest and a heat dome is covering the west and southwest, bringing unusual record-setting high temperatures to the west and southwest throughout the week.

RED CROSS RESPONSE The Red Cross is working with officials and partners, preparing to help as these new weather systems threaten multiple states. More than 430 disaster volunteers are helping with additional disaster teams standing by and relief supplies pre-positioned and ready to go if needed.

Severe weather and wildfires prompted small relief responses over the weekend in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Storm damage and power outages are occurring as severe weather moves up the East Coast and shelter teams are ready to open shelters as needed across the region.

As the snow falls in Michigan, Red Crossers continue to help people impacted by last week’s tornadoes, Caseworkers are meeting with individuals to assist them with creating a recovery plan and will be part of Multi-Agency Resource Centers where people can get information from multiple agencies in a single location. In Illinois, Red Cross teams are supporting damage assessment and distributing relief supplies after last week’s tornadoes. As many as 21 wildfires were reported in Nebraska over the weekend. Shelters are open and the Red Cross provided drinks and snacks to first responders. Shelters are also open in Wisconsin where almost two feet of snow has already fallen.

FOLLOW THESE SAFETY STEPS The first steps involve planning and preparation ─ they’re your best defense. Visit here for full information on how to get your household prepared.

Next, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, expert advice in English and Spanish, and available disaster shelter and support locations. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.

WINTER SAFETY:  Stay warm indoors. If your home becomes too cold, go to a public library, shopping mall or warming center.

• If you must go outside, wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
• Be careful walking on snow or ice and avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. If possible, work with a partner and take frequent breaks.

FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA Areas first affected by the cold include your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes.

• Signs of frostbite include pain, numbness or a change in skin color.
• Signs of hypothermia, which can be deadly, often include shivering, confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech.
• Act fast and get out of the cold immediately if you see signs of hypothermia or frostbite. Get emergency medical care right away.

TORNADO SAFETY Find the safest location at places where you spend a lot of time. A basement or a small interior room with no windows on the lowest level of a sturdy building is best.

• Mobile, manufactured, trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not safe during storms. Plan ahead by finding a sturdy building where you can seek shelter.
• Practice a tornado drill with your entire household by moving quickly to the nearest safe location.
• Stay informed about potential thunderstorms and tornadoes by monitoring local weather reports and signing up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• If a tornado warning is issued, or if you suspect a tornado, go to your safe place immediately. Then use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Keep listening to radio, TV or other news sources. Stay in your safe place until the tornado warning ends.
• If the building you’re in has been damaged, be very careful exiting. Don’t go back inside after you leave. Look around for things that might fall or are dangerous.
• Don’t use matches or lighters inside. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
• If you’re trapped, try to cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY If thunder roars, go indoors. If the forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone outdoor activities. Watch for storm signs, such as darkening skies, lightning flashes and increasing wind.

• Seek shelter inside a sturdy building and go to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass windows and doors.
• Lightning can be dangerous even when you’re inside. Avoid using devices connected to electrical outlets. Avoid running water as lightning can travel through plumbing and water lines.
• No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are nearby. Sheds, gazebos, dugouts and bleachers don’t protect from lightning or high winds. Avoid taking shelter under a tree as they’re often hit by lightning, and you could be injured.
• Being in a vehicle is safer than being outside; however, if you have time, drive to the closest sturdy building, and take shelter inside. If you’re driving and can’t get to a sturdy building, pull off the road and park in a place where falling trees and power lines won’t hit you.
• Turn around, don’t drown. Flash flooding happens quickly. Move to higher ground before floodwaters reach you. Never walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.