Red Cross offers safety tips as winter bears down

The American Red Cross of Southern Missouri is offering winter safety tips after the double-whammy of snow and extreme cold the 4 states area received over the weekend.

Red Cross disaster teams coordinated with local emergency management partners and community organizations to ensure support is ready wherever it may be needed across storm's path. Additional responders, supplies, trailers, and emergency vehicles continue to be on standby as the storm progressed.

“In weather like this, a simple check-in with a neighbor can make a meaningful difference,” said Lee Eastburn, executive director of the American Red Cross of Southern Missouri. “Older adults, people living alone, and families with young children can be especially vulnerable during extreme cold or power outages. A quick phone call or text to be sure they’re warm, have what they need, and know where to go for help goes a long way. We all play a role in looking out for one another and keeping our communities safe.”

The Red Cross has launched a massive response across multiple states as the powerful winter storm marches across the country. Millions of people are in the direct path of the heavy snow, catastrophic ice and dangerously cold temperatures that continues to affect communities from the South to the Northeast and everywhere in between.

American Red Cross of Southern Missouri offers the following tips to stay safe in winter weather:

During a winter storm, stay warm indoors. If your home becomes too cold, go to a public library, shopping mall or warming center.

If you must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards:

Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.

Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.

Know the signs of hypothermia - confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. If someone has these symptoms, they should get immediate medical attention.

Watch for symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.

Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.

Vehicle Safety

If you must travel, keep the vehicle’s gas tank full to keep the fuel line from freezing and if you are required to stop due to traffic issues or detours.

Carry the following in your vehicle: windshield scraper, small broom, sand or cat litter for traction, warm blankets and coats, and an emergency kit with bottled water, non-perishable food, and medications.

Check road conditions and know alternative routes to and from your destination.

Make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road.

Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways.

If you become stranded:

Stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You can quickly become disoriented and confused in blowing snow.

Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour (or five minutes every half hour). Running the engine for only short periods reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserves fuel. Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.

Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly, live alone or need additional support. A simple text, call, or door knock can ensure someone gets help before a dangerous situation escalates.

Older adults, people with medical needs, families with young children, and anyone reliant on electricity-intensive medical devices are particularly at risk during cold, outages, or icy conditions. Checking in helps ensure they remain warm, have power alternatives, and know where warming centers or shelters are if needed.

If you’re driving to check on someone, the Red Cross advises staying off roads whenever possible during severe weather since conditions can be treacherous. Opt for calls or texts first, and visit only if it’s safe.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow them on social media.