Disaster Alert – Missouri Ice Storm Update

January 29, 2009

Disaster Alert

Missouri Ice Storm Update — The Department of Energy reported that over 90,000 residents are without power.  MO chapters had 14 shelters open as of yesterday and 979 people stayed overnight. The chapters continue feeding those affected

Chapters Responding:


Disaster Alert: Arkansas Winter Storm Update

January 29, 2009

Disaster Alert

Arkansas Winter Storm Update — Over 300,000 customers are without power. There were 10 shelters open yesterday with a population of 1,102 residents.

Chapters Responding:


Disaster Alert: Illinois Snow Storm

January 28, 2009

Disaster Alert

Yesterday, the Red Cross responded to the following event:

  • Illinois – Snow Storm: More snow and ice is expected today after a snow storm yesterday. The Little Eagle Network Chapter opened one shelter and provided other care as needed to the over night residents.

Disaster Alert: Kentucky Winter Storms

January 28, 2009

Disaster Alert

Yesterday, the Red Cross responded to the following event:

  • Kentucky – Winter Storm: A winter storm yesterday caused sporadic power outages across the state.  The Red Cross opened 18 shelters last night and provided care and food for the shelter residents. They also provided 125 cots and 250 blankets to the local power company as they are sheltering workers; food is also being provided to those shelter residents. Freezing rain is expected to change to rain during the next 24 hours.
  • The following chapters are involved in the Kentucky disaster response:

YOUR Snow Safety Tips

January 27, 2009

We asked YOU over twitter to tell us how you prepare for winter weather:

tweets

Here is what you told us:

Carydc Please also remind people to ensure they have shovels, sand, ice scrapers and snow brushes in their cars for the winter weather.

Carydc Tip for knowing where the driveway is when snow comes. Put thin flexible rods with Reflectors on them at the sides of the drive.

Carydc When going out in the cold layer clothing. You can always take off extra layers when hot, but you may not have them when cold.

NeilMcD Move to Hawaii? :)

PerlStalker Keep a 3 day supply of food and water on hand in case of getting snowed in. Keep blankets, sand/salt and a shovel in your car.

TruckerDesiree For my Job, Canned Food, Bottled Water, Candles, Matches (leave window cracked though or Carbon Monoxide), Metal Shovel, Lots of S

TruckerDesiree Diesel Conditioner so Fuel doesn’t Freeze, Warm Clothes & bedding, If you have a pet plan a storage of their foods & medicines al

BRKyle Carry BIG bag of cat litter in your trunk, especially if you have a front wheel drive car. Helps stabilize the back, helps you out

BRKyle (cont) of slippery places when you need it. Also, a good SOLID scraper and small broom are a MUST, even in this DC area.

ginarau Bundle up with a cup of something warm in front of a fire & enjoy the snowfall.

SiobhanK524 Buy hot cocoa before the grocery stores run out!

publicrelations minus weather here in nd. we dress in layers and keep our heads covered.

LaurieCicotello “What are your tips for preparing for cold, snow and ice?” 1. Pack bags. 2. Move to Honolulu. Crisis narrowly averted!! :o)

jalcide headlamps: handsfree, more packable, weatherproof and can use lithium batteries for shelf-life and cold temperature performance.

krobertory rum, coke, tivo … Plus reviewing my family disaster plan, of course.

dpbkmb We keep several of those, shake & bake hot packs in both cars in case of an extreem cold emergency. Personal heat for pennies!

BillCurnow Other than “Man Up”? Bundle in layers, stay hydrated, defrost/desnow before you drive, keep that tank full, and drive defensively.

carolARC Get your meds before the weather strikes. Have multiple safe ways to stay warm that don’t involve flames. Don’t over exert in cold

carolARC Kittie litter in trunk adds both weight & a way to get out snow when stuck. Throw in nutrition bars, blankets, sturdy shoes too!

carolARC If you get stuck in snow, please please please, stay with your car-you can hold on weeks w/ car as shelter, hours without

carolARC ..plus, it’s easier to find a car on or near a road than a tiny person lost in the woods

SweetieAndSam Ice Storm Tip For Dogs: Lay terry towels down on concrete, helps prevent injuries from slipping on sidewalks & porches when dogs go outside

Thank you to each and every one of you for sharing your winter safety tips with us and our followers. Do you have other suggestions? Leave a comment below.


Winter Storms: Are you Experiencing Severe Winter Weather?

December 23, 2008

Winter Storms – December 2008

Register as Safe & Well and check out preparedness information for before, during, and after a winter storm:


Winter Storm Photos: Governor Lynch Visits Shelters in New Hampshire

December 19, 2008

Winter Storms – December 2008

These photos are available for distribution. Please click the photo for caption and courtesy information:

Governor Lynch visits a shelter in Londonderry, NH

Governor Lynch visits a shelter in Kingston, NH


Winter Storms: Relief Efforts in Northeast New York

December 15, 2008

Winter Storms – December 2008

As of this morning, there were 13 Red Cross shelters opened in 7 counties in Northeast New York.

Map of shelters located in Northeast New York:


View Larger Map

With high winds expected to continue, power outages are expected to rise. Here are some safety tips for blackouts:

  • Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles!
  • Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
  • Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.
  • If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical system.
  • Listen to local radio and television for updated information.

More information:


Winter Storms: Red Cross Shelters Hundreds as Severe Weather Hits Northeast

December 15, 2008

Winter Storms – Release – December 2008

newsrelease

The American Red Cross sheltered hundreds of people over the weekend who were affected by ice storms in the Northeast. Working with local partners, Red Cross chapters opened shelters in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.

“Unfortunately, ice storms are par for the course during the New England winter. But the Red Cross is always ready to give people a safe and warm place to go when there are widespread power outages like this,” said Joe Becker, senior vice president of Disaster Services.

Severe winter weather also threatens other parts of the country this week, including states in the Midwest and West.

The Red Cross encourages everyone to be prepared:

  • If a winter storm WATCH is issued in your area, it means a winter storm is possible. Pay attention to updates from local radio and TV stations, and avoid any unnecessary travel.
  • If a winter storm WARNING is issued, it means a winter storm is headed for your area. Stay indoors during the storm if possible. If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat.
  • A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately.

Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must, make sure you have a disaster supplies kit in the trunk. Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive.

If you get stuck while driving:

  • Stay with your 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 so that you can be seen.
  • As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
  • Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

Winter Storms: Nationwide Response

December 15, 2008

Winter Storms – December 2008

Mother Nature is handing much of the United States some winter doozies right now. Your American Red Cross is providing services such as warming centers, shelters, and food and blankets in the affected areas.


View Larger Map

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