The American Red Cross is launching a massive response across multiple states stretching from Texas to New England as the powerful winter storm starts its march across the country. Millions of people are in the path of this dangerous wintry mess, and the Red Cross offers these steps you can take to help you stay safe:
People need to stay informed about the storm and get ready for possible prolonged power outages. You may have to leave your home if the power is out and you have no heat. Think about where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, where you’ll stay and what you’ll take with you.
GATHER SUPPLIES like food, water and medicine and organize them into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit.
HOW TO STAY SAFE
WINTER SAFETY: Stay warm indoors. If your home becomes too cold, go to a public library, shopping mall or warming center.
POWER OUTAGE: Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.
GENERATOR DO’S AND DON’TS Never use a generator inside. This also goes for grills, camp stoves or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning devices.
FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA Areas first affected by the cold include your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes.
FROZEN PIPES Pipes that freeze most frequently are outdoor lines, pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets, and pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.
Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
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