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With snow predicted for our area this week, the American Red Cross recommends taking a few steps that will help you stay safe despite the winter weather.

“Winter storms can knock down power lines, make travel difficult because of icy road conditions, and keep people isolated in their homes for several days,” says Chapter Executive Tracey Sparrow. “That’s why now is the perfect time to get ready before this winter storm hits our area. Make sure you have the food and supplies on hand now that you may need if it’s not safe to travel or if the power goes out.”

The Red Cross recommends stocking up on easy-to-prepare foods, medications for family members, diapers, baby formula, pet food, extra-batteries for flashlights, and hygiene items like toilet paper and tissues. Make sure you have enough wood or coal for fireplaces or coal-burning stoves. In addition, the Red Cross offers the following ideas to help stay safe during winter storms:

Tips for Staying Safe at Home

• Be careful with candles – do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.
• Don’t use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement or garage. If using outdoors, locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• Prevent frozen pipes - when the weather is very cold outside, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing. Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature.
• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
• If you plan on using a fireplace to stay warm, keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a lit fire unattended.
• If using a space heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use the heater. Place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater and do not use it to dry wet clothing.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
• Check on your animals and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles. If possible, bring them indoors.

Tips for Protecting Yourself While Outdoors and Traveling

• When possible, stay indoors during the storm.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks and stairs.
• Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat.
• Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
• If you shovel snow, be extremely careful. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.
• Minimize travel whenever possible. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle with extra food and blankets.
• Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog.
• Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin relies on donations of time and money so they can provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties. To donate your time, please visit our Volunteer page. Financial donations can be made online through our secure contribution site.You can also support the Red Cross online by becoming a fan on our facebook page and following us on Twitter.

Get Help

For Your Service Member-
Call 1-800-696-3873 to talk to a caseworker.

Locating Family Members Around The Globe-
Visit familylinks.icrc.org or call 1-800-236-8680.

For Other Services-
Call your local 211 service. Operators are available to provide information and referral services.

Thousands of times every year, we receive calls for help. We couldn't respond with food, clothing and caring without your support. Please make a donation of your funds or your time today!

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"We all have - whatever our background - some contribution to provide for the common welfare to help people." ~ Volunteer Bob Phelps

Each year hundreds of people from southeastern Wisconsin serve as Red Cross volunteers. With their help, time and commitment, the Red Cross is able to help people in emergencies, teach first aid and CPR courses, deliver emergency messages to members of the military, organize programs for the elderly and youth and much more. Red Cross volunteers work directly with people or provide behind-the-scenes support. To find out more about how we make an impact in your community, sign up for our enewsletter CrossRoads.

Become a Red Cross volunteer! Helping others feels good and helps you feel good about yourself. Our chapter will work with you to find your true interests, and provide free training to help you serve your community.

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