Red Cross Issues Tips On How to Stay Safe and Warm

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Winter is making an early debut across the United States and the American Red Cross has opened shelters and issued steps people should take to remain safe and warm during the current frigid blast covering the country.

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More than 470 people in Florida took refuge from the cold overnight in shelters operated or supported by the Red Cross. In areas where such extreme cold weather is so unexpected, Red Cross shelters are important to residents unaccustomed to dealing with the blustery conditions. A safe place to keep warm can mean everything to families who may not have winter clothing and bedding to keep their loved ones cozy during cold weather.

If someone would like to help those who rely on Red Cross shelters during emergencies, they can visit the Holiday Giving Catalog where their donation can help buy a blanket for as little as $18. Other items include hot meals for $20 or a full day of emergency shelter for someone for $50.

The Red Cross has these safety tips people should follow during the current cold weather.

At home:

• Use generators correctly – never operate a generator inside the home, including the basement or garage. Do not hook up a generator directly to the home's wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment needed directly to the outlets on the generator.
• 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.
• Don't forget family pets – bring them indoors.  If that's not possible, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.
• Avoid using a stove or oven to heat the home. Keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a fireplace fire unattended.
• If using a space heater, place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Turn the space heater off when leaving the room or going to sleep. Keep children and pets away from the space heater and do not use it to dry wet clothing.

On the road:

• Carry an emergency preparedness kit in the trunk.
• Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• If someone does get stuck, stay with the car. Do not try to walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle.
• Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

Out in the cold:

• Dressing in several layers of lightweight clothing keeps someone warmer than a single heavy coat.
• Mittens provide more warmth to the hands than gloves. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers the ears.
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain one's footing in ice and snow.

For more information on how to stay safe and warm this winter, visit www.redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

SOURCE American Red Cross