And the American Red Cross wants to make sure you survive the sub-zero temps and they’re offering a number of helpful hints.—-
If Your Car Gets Stuck…
• 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.
Stay Safe During a Power Outage
• 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
Use Generators Safety
• 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.
• If you are using a generator, do not attempt to use it indoors, including inside a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace or other enclosed area, even with ventilation.
• Be sure to place the generator away from open windows, doors or vents leading into your home. Install battery-operated carbon dioxide alarms in your home.
• Keep the generator dry. Be sure to turn the generator off and allow it to cool before refueling. Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord.
• Turn off or disconnect all motor-driven appliances and fixtures to avoid damage from sudden surges when power is restored.
For additional winter safety tips and information on building a disaster supplies kit for your vehicle, contact the Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross at 513-792-4000 or visitwww.cincinnatiredcross.org
This article appears in Feb 4-10, 2009.