Be Winter Ready with these Safety Tips

 

Be Winter Ready with these Safety Tips from the American Red Cross of Tennessee Region

 

Feb. 16, 2021 - As Tennessee residents deal with the latest blast of winter storm weather temperatures are beginning to drop into the teens. Snow is forecasted in the next 24 hours and temperatures are not expected to warm up enough to melt the icy conditions until the weekend.

 

The American Red Cross of the Tennessee Region offers several safety tips to help you prepare and deal with the latest winter blast.

·         Wind chill: Avoid staying outdoors for long and wear layers of clothing to stay war. This include mittens or gloves as extremities can get frost bite easily. Make sure to wear waterproof insulated boots and keep feet dry. Get out of the cold if signs for hypothermia or frostbite appear.

·         Shoveling: Take caution when shoveling in temperatures that are in the teens. Take frequent breaks and be careful not to overexert yourself.

·         Stay hydrated: Be sure to keep hydrated, especially with warm drinks while avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

·         Check-Ins: Be sure to check on elderly, disabled or homebound neighbors and family.

·         Pets: Do not leave your furry friends outdoors! Family pets need to be brought in the home during these frigid temperatures. If that is not possible, be sure to provide them with warm shelter that keeps the cold air and wet conditions out.

·         Protect your pipes: Prevent frozen pipes in the home by opening cabinet doors and keeping a slow cold-water drip from faucets.

·         Heating: Do not use ovens or stoves to heat a home. Always keep fireplaces covered with screens and never leave them unattended.

·         Space heaters: Use these heaters only on level and non-flammable surfaces. Do not place them on carpet, or near bedding or drapes. Keep pets and children away from any heat source. Do not dry clothes on space heaters. Do not plug them into extension cords, only directly into outlets. Never leave the room or go to sleep with a space heater on.

·         Generators: Never operate a generator indoors. This will cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow the manufactures directions for safe setup for your generator.

·         Driving: Stay off the roads, if possible. Ice is covered by snow and will not be seen easily. Be sure to have a full gas tank for emergency use and to keep your fuel line from freezing. Always carry an emergency preparedness kit in the trunk. Do not pass snowplows and know that overpasses and bridges freeze first.

 

For more winter weather safety steps, you can download the Red Cross Emergency App for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.