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Issue: 956 Date: 12/18/2008
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American Red Cross Offers Safety Tips for Winter Weather
As winter storm watches are issued, St. Louis Area Chapter encourages preparedness
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St. Louis, Saturday, December 13, 2008 - As winter storm watches are issued for parts of the St. Louis area Sunday evening through Monday, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter encourages the public to prepare for extreme conditions. The Red Cross stands ready to provide emergency assistance as needed. People should prepare for the unexpected, knowing that severe weather can trap them at home, without utilities or other services.
Each set of conditions brought on by winter storms poses potential hazards. Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. The leading cause of death during winter storms is from automobile accidents and other transportation issues. Sleet is formed by raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Although sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and rarely sticks to objects, it can accumulate like snow and create a hazard for motorists. Freezing rain falls as moisture, but freezes to surfaces with temperatures that are below freezing. A glaze of ice then forms on trees, cars, and roads.
"It is always important to be aware of your surroundings, and to check the weather conditions before traveling," said Nicole Holtgrefe, director of preparedness and client services for the St. Louis Area Chapter. "The Red Cross wants people to understand how quickly conditions can change for the worse and to prepare in advance for how this may affect them."
To further assist the public in preparing for extreme winter weather, the Red Cross suggests the following safety and preparedness tips during the winter season:
Plan for a Winter Storm:* Have extra blankets on hand.* Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.* Check your home smoke alarms. If necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit for Car:* Blankets or sleeping bags* Rain gear and extra sets of dry clothing items* Extra newspapers for insulation* High energy "munchies" such as canned fruit and nuts* Bottles of water* Small tools such as a shovel and pocket knife* A small sack of sand to generate traction under wheels* Jumper cables* A first aid kit and necessary medications* A flashlight with extra batteries* A brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna
Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit for Home:* First aid kit and essential medications* Battery powered NOAA weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries* Canned food and can opener* Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day for three days)* Extra warm clothing, including a hat* Extra blankets
Winter Driving:* Have your car winterized - keeping your car in good condition will decrease your chance of being stranded in cold weather. Have a mechanic check your battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, and oil level. Install good winter tires and make sure they have adequate tread.* If you have a cell phone, keep the battery charged and keep it with you at all times.* Keep a windshield scraper and small broom in your car for ice and snow removal.* Keep the gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.* Plan long trips carefully.* Let someone else know your destination, route, and when you expect to arrive.* Be aware of sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and dense fog, which can make driving very hazardous.* If you get stuck, consider the following: stay with your vehicle, display a trouble sign to indicate you need help, occasionally run the engine to keep warm (carbon monoxide can build up inside a standing vehicle while the engine is running), leave the overhead light on when the engine is running, do minor exercises to maintain proper circulation, take turns sleeping if more than one person is in the car, huddle together for warmth, use newspapers and other items for added insulation, keep a window that is away from blowing wind slightly open to let in air, watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia, drink fluids to avoid dehydration, and avoid overexertion. |
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