INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – A winter storm has brought heavy snow and dangerously cold temperatures to communities across the United States. The National Weather Service has issued advisories for parts of the Indiana Region. The American Red Cross Indiana Region urges families to stay safe and take precautions.
The Red Cross issued the following:
WINTER WEATHER SAFETY
During a winter storm, stay warm indoors. If you must go outside, take extra precautions.
Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
Stay warm to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are often the first areas affected. Act fast and get out of the cold immediately if you see signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
Signs of frostbite include pain, numbness or a change in skin color.
Signs of hypothermia, which can be deadly, often include shivering, confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech.
Check on your neighbors, especially elderly people living alone, people with diabetes and children.
Gather emergency supplies, including food, water, medicine, extra chargers and batteries, warm clothing and blankets.
If you experience a power outage, monitor local weather and utility alerts. Evacuate if your home is too cold and visit local warming centers and power charging stations.
Avoid frozen pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors to allow warmer air from the room to get to pipes near sinks.
Be careful when completing strenuous tasks like shoveling snow. Take frequent breaks.
Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full and clean the lights and windows to help with visibility.
HOW TO SAFELY HEAT YOUR HOME
Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster, and home fire responses spike nearly 20% in the winter months, when fire risks increase due to cooking and heating.
If you must use a space heater, never leave it unattended. Place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor. Don’t place it on rugs and carpets, or near bedding and drapes.
Plug space heater power cords directly into outlets — never into an extension cord. Turn the space heater off every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
Keep children, pets and anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.
Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
Never leave a fire burning in the fireplace unattended. Make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home. Use a glass or metal fire screen to keep embers in the fireplace.
Test smoke alarms monthly and practice a two-minute home fire escape plan.
IF YOU NEED HELP
If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help.
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