SHREVEPORT, January 21, 2026 — Areas throughout North and Central Louisiana are expecting a significant winter storm Friday night into the weekend. The American Red Cross wants to remind everyone to prepare in anticipation of the upcoming storm.   

“We want to remind people of the importance of being prepared in advance of a winter storm,” said Karen McCoy, North Louisiana Chapter executive director, American Red Cross Louisiana Region. “This freeze event could produce significant impact for residents, including travel hazards, damage to property and potential power outages. We just want to remind everyone to prepare and be safe."  
 

BUILD A WINTER WEATHER EMERGENCY KIT 
Your primary concerns at home during a winter storm are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day. You should have available: 
 

• Flashlight and extra batteries 

• Extra food such as dried fruit, nuts, granola bars and other food requiring no cooking or refrigeration. 

• Extra water. One gallon of water per person in your household, per day. 

• Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information 

• Extra prescription medicine 

• Baby items such as diapers and formula 

• First-aid supplies 

• Heating fuel: refuel before you are empty; fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm 

• Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove or space heater properly ventilated to prevent a fire 

• Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm; test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they work properly 

• Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets 

• Review generator safety: Never run a generator in an enclosed space 

• Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and that the outside vent is clear of leaves and debris. During or after the storm, make sure it is cleared of snow. 

• Home fires are common each winter when trying to stay warm. Review ways to keep your home and loved ones safe. 

STAY SAFE INSIDE 
Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers. Check on relatives, neighbors and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone.  

If your heat goes out:
 

• Close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting heat. 

• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors. 

• Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat. 

• Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Drinks lots of water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcholohic drinks to prevent dehydration. Cold air is very dry. 

• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill. 

• When using heat from a fire place, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and properly ventilate 

STAY SAFE OUTSIDE  

If you must go outside:  
 

• Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.  

• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.  

• Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.  

• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.  

• Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury.  

• Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.  

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries.  

• If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation if possible. About 70% of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles 

WINTER STORM TRAVEL SAFETY

The storm will bring dangerous travel conditions and the Red Cross urges everyone to stay off the road if possible during severe weather. If you must drive in winter weather, follow these tips:  
 

• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and to keep the fuel line from freezing.  

• Make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road.  

• Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways.  

• Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather.  

• Ramps, bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways.  

• If you become stranded, stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You can quickly become disoriented and confused in blowing snow.  

• Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.  

• Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour (or five minutes every half hour). Running the engine for only short periods reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserves fuel. Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.  

• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.  

Winter safety information can be found at www.redcross.org/winterstorm. 

DOWNLOAD APPS 
People can download the Red Cross Emergency app for instant access to weather alerts for their area and where loved ones live. Expert medical guidance and a hospital locator are included in the First Aid app in case travelers encounter any mishaps. Both apps are available to download for free in app stores or at 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.