Winter Weather Tips

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: Winterize your vehicle and keep 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.

For more information on winter storm preparedness, contact the South Plains Regional Chapter of the American Red Cross at 806-765-8534, visit www.redcross.org or call 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.

American Red Cross has 13 Lucky Tips for a Safe Halloween

Be Safe While Having Fun!

            

1. Map out the route that you plan to roam, so adults are assured you will find your way home!

2. From the bravest of superheroes to the noblest of knights, everyone should remember to bring their flashlights!

3. If you visit a house where a stranger resides, accept treats at the door and, please, don’t go inside.

4. When you get ready to put on your disguise, use face paint instead of masks, which will cover your eyes.

5. Always remember, before you embark, to wear light-colored clothing to be seen in the dark! (And remember to use reflective tape, even on bikes, and brooms and the edges of your cape!)

6. Whether you walk, slither or sneak, do it on the sidewalks and not in the street.

7. As you roam through the neighborhood collecting your treats, please look both ways before crossing the street! (And speaking of streets, the corners are the place for trick or treaters to cross no mat­ter their pace.)

8. Wigs, capes and costumes are flammable attire, so avoid open flames to prevent a fire!

9. Use a glow stick instead of a candle so your jack-o-lantern isn’t a safety gamble!

10. You may fly on a broom or a space ship from Mars, but please be on the lookout for drivers in cars! (Between parked cars is no place to hide, be sure that you’re seen whether you’re a clown or a bride.)

11. Monsters and zombies should stay off the lawn, and only visit homes with their porch lights turned on!

12. You may be dressed as a werewolf, a cat or a frog, but be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

 13. Have a grown-up inspect your candy when you’re done trick-or-treating to remove open packages and choking hazards before eating.

Don’t Be Scared! Be Prepared: Tips on how to keep pets safe on Halloween

(The South Plains Regional Chapter's Staff Pets)

1.      Think when you dress your pet up!

a.      Although costumes are adorable on our four legged friends, keep in mind how your pet feels about the costume. Also, make sure if you do dress your pet up to check for parts of the costume that they could choke on. Keep costumes simple and cute.

2.      Put pets in safe areas to avoid noise.

a.      If your pet is anxiety ridden, make sure to keep them in a safe and secure place in your home. Make sure they are barricaded, but comfortable in their quiet spot.

b.      Use baby gates, or limit them to a room or bathroom they normally go into so they are familiar with their surroundings.

3.      Make sure to keep an eye on your pets.

a.      If you are taking your furry friend trick-or-treating with the kids, make sure to keep dogs on leashes or harness’. Also, make sure they are comfortable walking for long periods of time.

b.      For cats, make sure to keep them away from the doors to prevent them from getting out.

c.       For outdoor pets, make sure to keep them inside on Halloween.

4.      Do not give pets candy or other harmful foods.

a.      Make sure pets do not get into candy, chocolate, or other foods that could harm them. If one of your pets gets ahold of candy, make sure to take it away from them and substitute it with safe treats for them to eat.

5.      Keep pets away from decorations that could harm them.

a.      It’s always fun to decorate for Halloween, but keep pets away from decorations that have wires, cords, or hazardous materials.

b.       If there is a decoration in your house that scares your pets, you might want to consider moving it out of sight.

7 Ways You Can Help the Red Cross

American Red Cross is always offering ways to help those in need. Here are a few ways that you can get involved:

•   Make a Financial Gift to Disaster Relief - Help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

•   Implement a Customer Donation Program - Give your customers the opportunity to support Disaster Relief by adding a dollar amount to their total purchase.   

•   Sponsor an Employee Giving and Matching Gift Program - Engage employees by sponsoring a fundraiser in support of Disaster Relief and provide an incentive to participate by matching employee donations.

•   Conduct a Percentage of Sales Program - Show your commitment to the Red Cross and those we serve while generating sales for your company by donating a percentage of sales to Disaster Relief.

•   Donate Ad Space - Donate a portion of your advertising inventory and help share stories about the individuals, families and communities affected by disaster. 

•   Place a Red Cross Banner Ad on Your Website - Place a Red Cross banner ad on a company website to reinforce the support of the Red Cross and encourage donations through our Donate Now webpage.

•   Text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to Make a Donation - Customers of participating wireless carriers can make a $10 donation to support Disaster Relief by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999. Donations will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid account. Message and Data rates may apply.

To learn more information on ways to help the American Red Cross South Plains Region visit: http://www.redcross.org/support