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The American Red Cross Urges Southern Arizona Residents to Get Ready for Winter Weather

For Immediate Release

The American Red Cross Urges Southern Arizona Residents to Get Ready for Winter Weather


TUCSON, December 7, 2009 – With winter weather predicted for Southern Arizona in the coming days, and with possible snow and ice in the mountain regions, the American Red Cross recommends taking a few steps that will help you stay safe despite the winter weather. 

According to the National Weather Service, a strong winter storm system will approach Southern Arizona today, bringing widespread valley rain and significant mountain snow to Southeast Arizona tonight into midday Tuesday. A winter storm warning is in effect from 5 pm Monday to noon Tuesday above 6,000 feet in Greenlee, Graham, Cochise, Santa Cruz, and Eastern Pima Counties.  A blizzard warning is in effect from 5 pm Monday through noon Tuesday above 8,000 feet for Graham and Greenlee Counties.
“Winter storms can knock down power lines, make travel difficult because of icy road conditions, and keep people isolated in their homes for several days,” said Richard White, Executive Director. “That’s why now is the perfect time to get ready before this winter storm hits our area. Please make sure you have the food and supplies on hand now that you may need if it’s not safe to travel or if the power goes out.”
If you live at a higher elevation, the Red Cross recommends stocking up on easy-to-prepare foods, medications for family members, diapers, baby formula, pet food, extra-batteries for flashlights, and hygiene items like toilet paper and tissues. Make sure you have enough wood or coal for fireplaces or coal-burning stoves. In addition, the Red Cross offers the following ideas to help stay safe during winter storms:
Tips for Staying Safe at Home
    * Candles start many home fires, so we suggest using flashlights if the power goes out.
    * Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. 
    * If you use a fireplace to stay warm, keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a lit fire unattended. 
    * Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use a space heater. Place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater (so that they do not tip over) and do not use it to dry wet clothing.
    * Avoid overloading electrical outlets. 
    * Don’t use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home. Locate these unites outside the home and away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. 
    * Prevent frozen pipes - when the weather is very cold outside, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Running cold water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing. 
    * Check on your animals and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles. If possible, bring them indoors. 
Tips for Protecting Yourself While Outdoors and Traveling
    * When possible stay indoors during winter storms.
    * Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks and stairs.
    * Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. 
    * Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. 
    * Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow. 
    * If you shovel snow, be extremely careful. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and avoid overexertion. 
    * Minimize travel whenever possible. If travel is necessary keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle with extra food and blankets.
    * Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. 
    * Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing. 
    * Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. 
    * Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin. 
Visit Redcross.org for more information on how to keep safe and prepared for any emergency.  

According to the National Weather Service, a strong winter storm system will approach Southern Arizona today, bringing widespread valley rain and significant mountain snow to Southeast Arizona tonight into midday Tuesday. A winter storm warning is in effect from 5 pm Monday to noon Tuesday above 6,000 feet in Greenlee, Graham, Cochise, Santa Cruz, and Eastern Pima Counties.  A blizzard warning is in effect from 5 pm Monday through noon Tuesday above 8,000 feet for Graham and Greenlee Counties.

“Winter storms can knock down power lines, make travel difficult because of icy road conditions, and keep people isolated in their homes for several days,” said Richard White, Executive Director. “That’s why now is the perfect time to get ready before this winter storm hits our area. Please make sure you have the food and supplies on hand now that you may need if it’s not safe to travel or if the power goes out.”

If you live at a higher elevation, the Red Cross recommends stocking up on easy-to-prepare foods, medications for family members, diapers, baby formula, pet food, extra-batteries for flashlights, and hygiene items like toilet paper and tissues. Make sure you have enough wood or coal for fireplaces or coal-burning stoves. In addition, the Red Cross offers the following ideas to help stay safe during winter storms:

Tips for Staying Safe at Home

  • Candles start many home fires, so we suggest using flashlights if the power goes out.
  • Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. 
  • If you use a fireplace to stay warm, keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a lit fire unattended. 
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use a space heater. Place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater (so that they do not tip over) and do not use it to dry wet clothing.
  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets. 
  • Don’t use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home. Locate these unites outside the home and away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. 
  • Prevent frozen pipes - when the weather is very cold outside, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Running cold water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing. 
  • Check on your animals and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles. If possible, bring them indoors. 

Tips for Protecting Yourself While Outdoors and Traveling

  • When possible stay indoors during winter storms.
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks and stairs.
  • Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. 
  • Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. 
  • Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow. 
  • If you shovel snow, be extremely careful. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and avoid overexertion. 
  • Minimize travel whenever possible. If travel is necessary keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle with extra food and blankets.
  • Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. 
  • Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing. 
  • Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. 
  • Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin. 

Visit Redcross.org for more information on how to keep safe and prepared for any emergency.  

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Small Business Redcross Highlight

The Redcross of arizona relies on individual and corporate contributions to make our services available to victims of natural disasters and those in need. Occasionally we like to highlight the services and products offered by some of our small business members. One such business offers financial services and products for small business. You can check them out here.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcrossarizona.org/ or join National's blog at http://blog.redcross.org/.

 


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