YOU CAN SOFTEN THE BLOW OF OLD MAN WINTER’S PUNCH
The American Red Cross in Maine Offers Tips for Winter Storm Safety
MAINE, December 15, 2011 - Every corner of the state of Maine is prone to winter storms, and the American Red Cross in Maine urges residents to take steps now to stay safer when severe weather threatens.
“By preparing together for winter storms, we can make our families safer and our communities stronger,” said Mike Mason, Regional Director of Emergency Services. “By creating a disaster preparedness plan now, Mainers can implement those plans when our community is threatened by snow, ice, damaging winds, and dangerously low temperatures.”
Mainers know that winter brings numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. With winter also comes slick roads and sidewalks, blinding snow, powerful winds, and accompanying power outages. Volunteers of the American Red Cross in Maine stand trained and ready to support their neighbors by operating shelters when necessary as well as responding to disasters caused by the weather. But residents can dramatically reduce the effects that winter weather has on them and their families by planning ahead.
As with any disaster, preparation can literally be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross in Maine recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by:
- Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing. Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.
- Heeding Storm Warnings: A winter storm WATCH means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio or television stations. A winter storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately.
- Preparing Your Home and Car: Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. Keep a small shovel in your trunk. Make sure your home is properly insulated by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Running water, even at a trickle, helps to prevent pipes from freezing.
More tips on winter weather safety
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.