REMEMBER THE FOUR P'S: PLANTS, PETS, PIPES AND PEOPLE.
Do not leave pets outside! Protect tender vegetation. Insulate pipes and/or leave a pencil-thin stream of water running at faucets. Check on the elderly.
The American Red Cross of Southeast and Coastal Georgia offers cold and winter weather tips for the public to help prepare homes, vehicles, pets and families.
Though the function of the local Red Cross is not to activate warming shelters in cold and winter weather instances, Red Cross disaster management works along with emergency management agencies within the Southeast and Coastal Georgia counties as needed. The responsibility of providing shelter for residents who need a warm place during cold and winter weather rest on each county jurisdiction.
HOME AND FAMILY SAFETY TIPS:
- Make sure flashlights are available throughout the house and they have fresh batteries. Winter storms can lead to power outages.
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to insure they are in good working order.
- Develop a fire escape plan and practice it with everyone who lives in the home.
- Prepare a disaster supply kit to have ready should winter storms hit. The kit should include a three-day supply of food and water per person, flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries. Other things to have on hand for the winter include:
- Sand, rock salt or kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery
- Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and warm clothing for all household members, along with extra blankets.
- Winterize your vehicle.
- Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as a wood- or coal-burning stove or an electric or kerosene heater.
- Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
- Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.
- Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
DRIVING IN WINTER WEATHER TIPS:
While the Red Cross encourages you to stay off the road if possible, if you have to drive in snow or freezing rain, follow these tips about how to drive safely during a winter storm and what to do if you become stuck in your vehicle:
- Fill the vehicle’s gas tank and clean the lights and windows to help you see.
- Pay attention to the weather forecast. Before you leave, let someone know where you are going, the route you plan to take, and when you expect to get there. If your car gets stuck, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
- If you have to drive, make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
- Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways.
- Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather.
- Don’t pass snow plows.
- Know that ramps, bridges and overpasses will freeze before roadways.
If you become stuck in the snow or icy conditions:
- Stay with the car. Do not try to walk to safety.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
- Don’t run your engine and heater constantly to help avoid running out of gas. Don’t use things like lights or the radio without the engine running so the battery doesn’t conk out.
- If you can, move your vehicle off the roadway. Stay with it – don’t abandon it. If you have to get out of your vehicle, use the side away from traffic.
- 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 to help rescuers see the vehicle.
- Keep one window slightly open - away from the blowing wind - to let in air.
PET SAFETY
Other tips pet owners should be aware of include:
- Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate a pet’s paws. Wipe their paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth.
- Antifreeze is a deadly poison. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach.
- Signs of frostbite include discoloration of the frozen area, pale or even blue skin, no pain or lots of pain. The pads of the paws, tail and tips of the ears are most susceptible.
- If your pet has frostbite, bring them out of the cold. Spray the affected area with warm water. Lightly apply a warm compress to the area. Do not rub or apply pressure. Take your pet to your veterinarian immediately.
DOWNLOAD PET FIRST AID APP The American Red Cross Pet First Aid App provides dog and cat owners with resources on how to maintain their pet’s health and well-being and what to do during emergencies until veterinary care is available. Owners have access to step-by-step instructions, videos and images from more than 25 common first aid and emergency situations including what to do for cold-related emergencies.
Features in the app allow owners to:
- Find emergency pet care facilities or alternate veterinarians if they are out of town with the ‘animal hospital locator.’
- Locate pet-friendly hotels.
- Test their knowledge with interactive quizzes and earn badges that they can share on their social networks. They can also attach their favorite picture of their pet when they share their badge.