FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lu Esposito
American Red Cross
919-235-8769 /

The American Red Cross Urges Safety and Vigilance Through Winter Weather and Potential Power Outages

RALEIGH February 12, 2014 – Current forecasts indicate that more snow, ice, and freezing rain will come our way over the next few days. The Triangle Region of the American Red Cross is ready to respond to potential needs that may arise due to the imminent storms, and strongly encourages residents to be proactive in preparing for the coming winter weather.

“By preparing together for winter storms, we can make our families safer and our communities stronger,” Barry Porter, Triangle Region Executive said. “Power outages are not just an inconvenience, they can be dangerous. We urge people to stay safe, use caution and common sense.”Two shelters opened at 5 pm last night. They are Mineral Springs Elementary in Ellerbe, North Carolina, and Richmond Senior High School in Rockingham, North Carolina.

There is currently a shelter open in Richmond County at:

Richmond Senior High School

838 US Highway 1

Rockingham, NC 28379

Stay tuned for any additional openings that could be announced throughout the day.

Tips for Being Safe in a Power Outage

Food Safety During a Power Outage

  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours.
  • Then use food from the freezer. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
  • Use your non-perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer.
  • If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.
  • Keep food in a dry, cool spot and keep it covered at all times.

Electrical Equipment During a Blackout

  • Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.
  • Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
  • Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.
  • Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested.
  • Read more about using generators safely.

Caution: Carbon Monoxide Kills

  • Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
  • The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.
  • Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
  • If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.
  • Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

More information can be found at Redcross.org

As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by:

  • Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing. Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.
  • Heeding Storm Warnings:A winter storm WATCH means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio or television stations. A winter storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately.
  • Preparing Your Home and Car: Prepare your car by keeping the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. Make sure your home is properly insulated by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Running water, even at a trickle, helps to prevent pipes from freezing.

Winter Storms have created an urgent need for blood

  • While thousands of people from across the country responded to the call for blood and platelet donations issued by the Red Cross earlier this month, there continues to be an urgent need for blood donors mostly due to severe winter weather. The last storm alone has forced the cancellation of blood drives and the loss of 14,000 units of donations.
  • Like the emergency room of a hospital, the Red Cross needs to be prepared to respond to patient emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The need is particularly urgent for O, A- and B-.
  • To schedule an appointment to donate, viewers may visit us online at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
  • If you have a question on whether a blood drive has been cancelled, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Traveling in a winter storm

BEFORE YOU LEAVE:

  • 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.
  • Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk. Pack high-protein snacks, water, first aid kit, flashlight, small battery-operated radio, an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers, extra prescription medications, blankets and important documents or information you may need.
  • Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
  • Fill the vehicle’s gas tank and clean the lights and windows to help you see. Don’t let the gas tank get too low during the trip.
  • Use your seat belts and give your full attention to the road and avoid distractions such as cell phones.
  • Don’t follow other vehicles too closely and use caution in work zones.

DURING THE STORM

  • Many states now use flashing signs along the highways to warn drivers about severe weather threats. If you pass one of these signs, tune into a local radio station to listen to weather forecasts for where you are.
  • Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog.

For more information on winter storm preparedness, contact 1-800 RED CROSS. We urge you to share these Red Cross winter storm preparedness tips with every member of your household, because the best protection is to be prepared ahead of time.

Cold weather safety tipson RCO:

Prepare for winter storms, including pet safety and preventing frozen pipes (in column on left):

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/triangle, join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @TACRedCross.

Triangle Region
The Triangle Area Chapter, located in Raleigh, is the centraloffice for the Triangle Region and covers Wake, Chatham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee and Warren Counties. The Central North Carolina Chapter, based in Durham, covers Durham, Granville, Orange, Person and Vance Counties. The Highlands Chapter, based in Fayetteville, serves Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, and Sampson counties. The Scotland County Chapter, located in Laurinburg, includes a Robeson County Branch, and the Moore County Chapter, located in Southern Pines, includes a Richmond County Branch.