Red Cross offers wicked winter weather safety tips

As temperatures drop across the country and we head full steam ahead into the winter season, American Red Cross is urging families to take the following actions now to prepare for hazardous winter weather.

Although the precipitation across the area has ended, hazards of winter weather continue. The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory, warning that temperatures won't exceed the lower 20s during the day, and will drop into single digits tonight. Wind chills can be expected to drop to -10 to -15 tonight. It's dangerous, the NWS says, because "prolonged exposure to extreme wind chills will result in frost bite and can lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken... if you must venture outdoors, make sure you wear a hat and gloves."

The cold snap is to last through Thursday,

"Winter storms can be 'deceptive killers' since the majority of winter-related deaths are caused by events related to the heavy snowfall, high winds, and freezing rain that often accompanies them," said Chris Harmon, Director of Emergency Services for the Greater Ozarks Chapter-Springfield Office "People can become trapped at home without utilities or other services. Motorists can become stranded in their vehicles. Walking and driving can become hazardous. But people can stay safer if they listen to the advice of local authorities and take action to get prepared ahead of time."

The Red Cross recommends everyone prepare for severe weather conditions in the following ways:

Get a disaster supplies kit for the home. This should include:

* Three-day supply of water (one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and hygiene).

* Three-day supply of non-perishable, high-energy food and a manual can opener.

* First aid kit and essential medications.

* Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.

* Flashlight, and extra batteries.

* Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.

* Copies of important documents (birth certificate, title/deed to home, insurance policies, etc) in a water-proof container.

Get a disaster supplies kit for the vehicle. This should include all of the items in a household disaster kit, plus:

*Blankets or sleeping bags.

* Jumper cables.

* Fire extinguisher (5-pound, A-B-C type).

* Compass and road maps.

* Shovel.

* Tire repair kit and pump.

* Flares.

*Extra clothing to keep dry.

*Sack of sand or cat litter (for tire traction).

* Tow rope.

Make a winter storm plan

Be prepared to shelter at home in case of severe weather. Have additional food and water stored to last seven to 14 days.

Have extra blankets on hand.

Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, a hat, and water-resistant boots.

Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your home and vehicle.

Have your vehicle winterized before the weather gets severe.

Decide how you would communicate with your family members should you be separated and unable to travel when a winter storm hits.

Be informed

Learn how you would receive information from local officials should hazardous winter weather affect your neighborhood.

Know the difference between a winter storm watch (a winter storm is possible in your area) and a winter storm warning (a winter storm is headed for your area).

Consider getting first aid and CPR training in case you need to respond in an emergency before professionals arrive on the scene.

During a power outage

Do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.

Use items in the refrigerator first, then freezer, then non-perishable foods.

Use generators correctly -- If you have a portable generator and the power goes out, always plan to keep the generator outdoors. Never operate it inside, including the basement, garage, carport or near any open windows. Connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

Do not hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring.

For more information about how you can prepare for a variety of winter weather-related disasters including winter and ice storms, power outages and floods contact the Greater Ozarks Chapter at (417) 732-9500, toll free (866) 206-0256, or visit the chapter Web site at www.redcross-ozarks.org or www.redcross.org.