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News
Prepare Now for Winter Weather
Posted 1 December 2008
Winter
storms, including high winds, heavy snow, freezing rain and black ice
make for difficult driving conditions. The American Red Cross offers
the following tips to help you prepare yourself and your vehicle today
for potential winter weather emergencies.
The Red Cross recommends everyone prepare for severe weather conditions
in the following ways:
Get a Disaster Supplies Kit For Your Home:
Three-day supply of water (one gallon of water per person per day for
drinking and hygiene).
Three-day supply of non perishable, high-energy food and a manual can
opener.
First aid kit and essential medications.
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.
Copies of important documents (birth certificate, title/deed to home,
insurance policies, etc) in a water-proof container.
Get a Disaster Supplies Kit For Your Vehicle: (all of the above plus)
Blankets or sleeping bags.
Jumper cables.
Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).
Compass and road maps.
Shovel.
Tire repair kit and pump.
Flares.
Extra clothing to keep dry.
Sack of sand or cat litter (for tire traction).
Tow rope.
Make a Winter Storm Plan:
Be prepared to shelter at home in case of severe weather. Have
additional food and water stored to last seven to fourteen days.
Have extra blankets on hand.
Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or
mittens, a hat, and water-resistant boots.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your home and vehicle.
Have your vehicle winterized before the weather gets severe.
Decide how you would communicate with your family members should you be
separated and unable to travel when a winter storm hits.
Be Informed:
Learn how you would receive information from local officials should
hazardous winter weather affect your neighborhood.
Know the difference between a winter storm WATCH (a winter storm
is possible in your area) and a winter storm WARNING (a winter storm is
headed for your area).
Consider getting first aid and CPR training in case you need to respond
in an emergency before professionals arrive on the scene.
If the Power Goes Out:
Do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights
only.
Use items in the refrigerator first, then freezer, then non-perishable
foods.
Use generators correctly – If you have a portable generator and the
power goes out, always plan to keep the generator outdoors. Never
operate it inside, including the basement, garage, carport or near any
open windows. Connect the equipment you want to power directly to the
outlets on the generator.
Do not hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring.
Hazardous Winter Travel: The American Red Cross strongly urges everyone
to monitor weather reports and follow the directions of local
authorities. If travel is absolutely necessary during potentially
dangerous winter weather, inform someone of your travel route,
destination and expected arrival time. Store a disaster supplies kit in
your vehicle and remember to keep the gas tank near full to avoid ice
building up in the gas tank and fuel lines.
In Case of Snow or Black Ice:
Stay with your vehicle. Do not try to walk to safety as you risk
developing hypothermia and/or frostbite.
Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for
rescuers to see.
Start the vehicle and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the vehicle.
As you sit, move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to
help you stay warm.
Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
Leave the overhead light on inside the vehicle when the engine is
running so you can be seen.
After the snow has stopped falling, raise the hood to indicate you need
help.
In Case of a Flood:
Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm
drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your
safety.
If your vehicle stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately
and climb to higher ground.
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