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Red Cross Offers 15 Ways to Stay Safe During Winter Storms

January 17, 2019 10:00pm
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    Press Release from American Red Cross Eastern New York Region:

    Red Cross Offers 15 Ways to Stay Safe During Winter Storms

    ALBANY, NY (January 17, 2019) - With a winter storm watch posted for all of
    Eastern New York this weekend, the American Red Cross has steps that
    everyone can take to stay safe in the face of potentially heavy snowfall and
    bitter cold.

    “A winter storm is headed our way, and our first priority is making sure that
    residents across our region stay safe,” said Kimmy Venter, spokesperson for
    the American Red Cross Eastern New York Region. “Whether you're trying to
    keep your home warm or dealing with the elements outside, put safety first and
    follow these tips at all times.”

    HEAT YOUR HOME SAFELY

    During this time of year, many people resort to space heaters and other
    sources to keep their homes warm. Home heating is the second leading cause
    of fires in the U.S. To reduce the risk of heating related fires, the Red Cross
    recommends these steps:

  1. All heaters need space. Keep children, pets and things that can burn
    (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least
    three feet away from heating equipment.
  2. If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable
    surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets, or near
    bedding or drapes.
  3. Plug power cords directly into outlets - never into an extension cord.
  4. Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended, and use a glass or metal
    fire screen to keep fire and embers in the fireplace. Never use a cooking
    range or oven to heat your home.
  5. Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to
    sleep.

    Find more home fire safety information here.

    STAY SAFE DURING WINTER WEATHER

    If you are outside as the temperature drops, keep these safety tips in mind:
  1. Wear layers of clothing, a hat, mittens and waterproof, insulated boots.
  2. Be careful when tackling strenuous tasks like shoveling snow in cold
    temperatures.
  3. Check on your neighbors, especially elderly people living alone, people
    with disabilities and children.
  4. Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have access
    to unfrozen water and enough shelter to keep them warm.
  5. Watch for hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia symptoms include
    confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Frostbite
    symptoms include numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin
    discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.

    WINTER TRAVEL SAFETY

    Stay off the road if possible during a severe storm. If you must drive in winter
    weather, follow these tips:

  1. Make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to
    the road.
  2. Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on
    snowy roadways.
  3. Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather.
  4. Don’t pass snow plows.
  5. Remember that ramps, bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways
    and take extra caution.

    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.