In a two-year update, the American Red Cross highlighted its emergency work after the 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, as well as its recovery efforts over the past year.

With winter in full swing , the American Red Cross urges you to be prepared for winter storms.   Why?  A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, and cold temperatures.  People can become trapped at home, without utilities or other services.  Heavy snowfall and blizzards can trap motorists in their cars.  Winter storms can also make driving and walking extremely hazardous.

How to Protect Your Property:

• Make sure your home is properly insulated.  Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
• Keep pipes from freezing by wrapping pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers and cover them with plastic to keep out moisture.
• Install and check smoke alarms.
• When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.  Fire hazard is greatly increased in the winter because alternate heating sources are used without proper safety precautions.

What to Do During a Winter Storm Warning or a Blizzard Warning:

• Stay indoors and dress warmly.  Wearing layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmed than one bulky sweater.
• Listen to battery-powered radio or television for updated emergency information.
• Eat regularly.  Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.  Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.  Drink liquids such as warm broth or juices and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Conserve fuel by closing off unused rooms and stuffing towels in cracks under doors.
• Move animals indoors or to a sheltered area and make sure they have plenty of water.  Most animal deaths in winter are from dehydration.

If You Must Go Outside During a Winter Storm:

• Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat.  Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other.  Half of your body heat loss is from the head.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.  A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose, or earlobes are symptoms of frostbite.  Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.
• 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.

Winter Driving Tips:

• Have your car winterized before the winter storm season.  Have a mechanic check your battery, antifreeze, wipers, washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, exhaust system, heather, breaks, defroster, and oil level.  Install good winter tires.
• Keep your cell phone charged and with you at all times.
• Keep a disaster supplies kit in your trunk containing blankets, clothing, food, water, jumper cables, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, and more.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Let someone know your destination, route, and when you expect to arrive.