Albany, NY (Feb. 24) 4:00 p.m.- With the heavy amounts of snow predicted for the next week in upstate New York, the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York (ARCNENY) is urging residents to be safe and prepared for wintery conditions.

Winter Storm Tips

• Stay inside during the storm.
• If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer then a single heavy coat. Gloves or mittens and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
• Walk very carefully on snow, icy walkways.
• After the storm, be extremely careful shoveling. It is physically strenuous work so take frequent breaks.

Safe Driving Tips

• Winter-proof your vehicle- pay attention to the battery, tire pressure, heater, defroster, wiper blades and washer fluids
• Carry disaster supply kits in your vehicles at all times including a shovel, windshield scraper, blankets and warm clothing, jumper cables, and sand or cat litter for traction.
• Ensure you have a full tank of gas to avoid ice build up in the fuel tank.
• Before you hit the road, let your family or friends know your destination and primary routes.
• Pay attention to the weather forecast.
• Stay alert for deer crossing signs.
• If stranded, stay with the vehicle and try not to walk to safety. You can become disoriented and have a high risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Exercise your arms and legs to maintain body heat.
  • Change out of wet clothing using dry replacements in your safety kit.
  • Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won´t back up in the vehicle.
  • Turn on the heat for ten minutes every hour and leave the overhead light on whenever the engine is running so you can be seen.

Winter Power Outage Safety Tips

• DO NOT use candles during power outage. This increases the risk of fire. ONLY use a flashlight.
• Build a kit including: batteries, flashlight, portable radio, at least one gallon of water and a small supply of food.
• Turn off all electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
• If using a generator, do not connect the equipment to a home´s electrical system.
• Listen to the local radio and television for updated information.
• To stay warm, wear mittens and a hat and dress in warm layers. If going outside, get out of any wet clothes immediately.

The Red Cross is working closely with local emergency management officials to determine the need for shelters. If the Red Cross opens shelters, information and locations will be sent out immediately. If residents need emergency assistance, they should call their local Red Cross or police department.

About the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York
Since 1910, ARCNENY has given relief to victims of disasters and helped people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Last year, nearly 1,000 residents of the greater Capital Region received free, emergency assistance by ARCNENY after disasters such as fires, floods, and power outages. Each year, more than 40,000 greater Capital Region residents learn to save lives through Red Cross CPR, water safety, first aid and emergency preparedness classes; and hundreds of local military families receive support and emergency communications services.

The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money and blood from the American people to do its work. An average of 92 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. For more information about your local Red Cross and our 100 years of service, visit www.redcrossneny.org or call (518) 458-8111.