Ole Man Winter is putting many parts of the country in a deep freeze. The American Red Cross has some tips you can follow to help cope with the frigid temperatures.
1. Download the Red Cross First Aid App and earn some badges for yourself or with your family. Share them on Facebook. This free app is available on the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores.
2. Schedule a blood donation.
3. Stay active outside when it is safe.
4. Elderly family and friends are the most vulnerable in the cold. Consider visiting them and brining some warm food and company.
5. Make some safety home improvements while you’re cooped up inside. Empty clutter around escape routes or fire-prone areas, install new grab bars in the bathroom, etc.
COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS If brutally cold temperatures are plaguing your area, here are five ways for you to stay safe during this latest blast of winter:
1. Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing body heat. If you are shivering, go indoors. Shivering is an important sign that you are losing body heat.
2. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.
3. Watch for symptoms of frostbite, including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.
4. Don’t forget your pets – bring them indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
5. Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold.
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.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
