Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 19 December 1996 — Page 19

The Muncie Times, December 19 1996, Page 19

Red Cross Issues Winter Storm Precautions

Winter is here. Residents of the Madison, Delaware and other counties will soon be facing dreaded winter storms. The Red Cross wants you and your family to be prepared and is offering suggestions to help you winterize your home and car. One way to be prepared is to put together a disaster supplies kit for your home. The kit should include materials such as a portable radio, flashlight, batteries, canned food, a non-electric can opener, first aid supplies, and

bottled water. Another step is placing other disaster relief kits in the trunks of each car used by members of your household. These kits should include blankets, dry clothing, a shovel, sand, tire chains, jumper cables, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries and a brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna of your car. These are just two suggestions the Red Cross offers to help the community be prepared before the storms arrive. In Anderson, to receive

your personal detailed check list for your family, visit any Anderson PayLess checkout lane or contact the Madison County Red Cross at (317) 643-6621. Below is a check list of what you need: Prepare a winter storm plan if Have extra blankets on hand f Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves, or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots. f Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing: ^ first aid kit and essential medications $ batterypowered N O A A Weather Radio and portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries $ canned food and nonelectric can opener $ bottled water f Have your car winterized before winter storm season /^Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your car Stay tuned for warnings f Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information

f Know what winter storm watches and warnings mean: $$ A winter storm watch means a winter storm is possible in your area 0 A winter storm warning meas a winter stonn is headed for your area ^ A blizzard warning means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately! When a winter storm WATCH is issued... f Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates f Be alert to changing weather conditions f Avoid unnecessary travel When a winter storm WARNING is issued... f Stay indoors during the storm f 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. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs. f Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. f Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. f After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take

frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion. Avoid traveling by car. But if you must.. f Have emergency supplies in the truck f Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing f Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route. If you do get stuck... f 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. f Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up into the car. f Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen. f As you sit, keep moving your amis and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm. f Keep one window away from the blowing wind sliehtlv onen to let in air.

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